Methods and apparatus for facilitating a payout at a gaming device using audio / video content

ABSTRACT

In accordance with one or more embodiments, a method provides for determining a first payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate a wagering game and providing the first payout only upon the satisfaction of a plurality of conditions. The plurality of conditions may comprise, for example, (i) indicia indicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is a component of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated with the current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, wherein the audio/video content is output via a second display area of the gaming device.

PRIORITY CLAIMED

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 60/582,377, filed Jun. 23, 2004 and entitled GAMINGDEVICE WITH OUTCOME COMPARISON FEATURE. The entirety of this applicationis incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1A is a block diagram of a system that may be useful in one or moreembodiments.

FIG. 1B is a block diagram of another system that may be useful in oneor more embodiments.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a controller that may beuseful in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of one embodiment of a gaming device that maybe useful in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 4 is a plan view of one embodiment of a slot machine that may beuseful in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 is a table illustrating an example embodiment of a payoutrequirement(s) database.

FIG. 6A is a table illustrating an example embodiment of an audio/videocontent characteristic(s) database.

FIG. 6B is a table illustrating an example embodiment of an audio/videocontent characteristic(s) database.

FIG. 7 is a table illustrating a prior art probability database.

FIG. 8 is a table illustrating a prior art payout database.

FIG. 9 is a table illustrating a payout database according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 10 is a table illustrating a probability database according to oneembodiment.

FIG. 11 is a table illustrating an available audio/video contentdatabase in accordance with in one or more embodiments.

FIG. 12 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 13 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 14 illustrates a flowchart of a process in accordance with one ormore embodiments.

FIG. 15 illustrates example information that may be output via one ormore output devices of the slot machine of FIG. 4, or another gamingdevice, in accordance with one or more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Applicants have recognized a need for enhancing the entertainmentinvolved in playing a gaming device. Gaming devices (e.g., mechanicalreel slot machines, video slot machines, video poker machines, etc.) area major source of revenue for casinos. However, players of such gamingdevices are always looking for additional entertainment value for theirmoney.

Applicants have additionally recognized that many gaming devices todayare equipped with (or may be modified to be equipped with) outputdevices such as video screens and speakers offering premium sound.Accordingly, Applicants have invented a novel method of utilizing suchoutput devices to enhance the entertainment value of a gaming device.

Applicants have further recognized that the conventional manner ofdetermining whether to output a payout or whether a game play resultqualifies for a payout may be considered unexciting by some players.Typically, a payout is provided if indicia corresponding to the payoutis disposed along a payline as a result of a game play. For example, ifthe symbols “cherry-cherry-cherry” are lined up along a payline of athree-reel slot machine as a result of a game play, the player gets thepayout corresponding to the outcome “cherry-cherry-cherry.” To manyplayers, this is a simplistic and unexciting manner of conveying whetherthe player has won a payout for a game play.

Applicants have further recognized that even gaming devices equippedwith secondary video screens and premium sound typically still providean indication of a result of a game play in the conventional mannerdescribed above.

Applicants have invented novel methods and systems for determiningwhether to provide a payout for a game play. For example, in oneembodiment, a payout for a game play is not provided even if indiciacorresponding to the game play is disposed along a payline as a resultof a game play, unless a characteristic of audio/video content beingoutput substantially at the time the indicia is disposed along thepayline satisfies a requirement corresponding to the indicia. In thismanner, a player may find it more enjoyable to hear and/or view theaudio/video content, due to knowing that the audio/video content may bedeterminative in whether the player received a payout or an enhancedpayout for the game play.

In accordance with one embodiment, a method provides for determining afirst payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of agaming device, wherein the gaming device is operable to facilitate awagering game. The method further provides for providing the firstpayout only upon (i) indicia indicative of the first payout beingdisposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is acomponent of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) acharacteristic of audio/video content associated with the current gameplay satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, whereinthe audio/video content is output via a secondary display area of thegaming device.

In accordance with one embodiment, this method further provides for (i)determining, based on a random number, the indicia; (ii) causing theindicia to be disposed along the payline; (iii) determining theaudio/video content being output at substantially a time the indicia isdisposed along the payline; (iv) determining a requirement correspondingto the indicia, the requirement specifying at least one characteristicof the audio/video content; (v) determining whether the audio/videocontent being output at substantially the time the indicia is disposedalong the payline satisfies the requirement, thereby determining whetherthe requirement is satisfied for the current game play; (vi) providingthe first payout if the requirement is satisfied; and (vii) providing asecond payout if the requirement is not satisfied, wherein the secondpayout is less than the first payout. The second payout may be, forexample, equal to zero credits.

In accordance with another embodiment, the above-described method mayfurther provide for (i) determining, based on a random number, the firstpayout; (ii) determining a time at which indicia corresponding to thefirst payout is to be disposed along the payline, thereby determining anindicia output time; (iii) determining a characteristic of theaudio/video content at substantially the indicia output time; (iv)selecting the indicia from a plurality of sets of indicia, wherein eachindicia of the plurality of sets of indicia corresponds to arequirement, and wherein selecting the indicia is performed such thatthe requirement corresponding to the selected indicia is satisfied bythe determined characteristic of the audio/video content; and (v)causing the selected indicia to be disposed along the payline at theindicia output time.

In accordance with one embodiment, step (iii) in the method describedimmediately above may precede step (ii). For example, the indicia outputtime may be determined based on [i] one or more characteristics of“upcoming” audio/video content, [ii] a payout amount and [iii] apaytable indicating indicia. In a more particular example, more than oneset of indicia may be associated with the same payout amount. In a yetmore particular example, if it is determined, based on a random number,that a payout of “30 credits” is to be provided as a result of thecurrent game play, all possible pay combinations (or a plurality ofpossible outcomes) that pay 30 credits may be determined. For example,both the outcome “Ross-Ross-Ross” and the outcome “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel”may correspond to a payout of 30 credits in accordance with a payouttable being utilized. Accordingly, audio/video content being outputduring the current game play may be analyzed to determine scenes wherethe character Ross appears or the character Rachel appears. In otherwords, the audio/video content may be analyzed to determine a time orportion of the audio/video content that satisfies a requirementindicated by the indicia comprising an outcome that corresponds to thedesired payout amount. The indicia output time may then be determinedbased on the “next” appearance of either the character “Ross” or thenext appearance of the character “Rachel”.

In one embodiment, a player may be allowed to buy an episode of thetelevision show “Buddies”. All the individual “payouts” may then begenerated right at the start of the episode, but then dispersedthroughout the episode (e.g., based on one or more criteria describedherein). For example, assume it is determined, based on respectiverandom numbers, that payout of 10, 15, 4, 3, 35, 10, and 15 credits areto be provided throughout the episode. The indicia output timeassociated with each of these payout amounts may then be determinedbased on (i) possible corresponding outcomes as indicated by a paytable,and (ii) audio/video content satisfying conditions indicated one or moreof the corresponding outcomes. Further, in an alternate embodiment, agaming device may determine a “total episode payout” or “total sessionpayout” rather than individual payouts, which may facilitate dispersingpayouts throughout the episode (e.g., if a total payout is 100 credits,the gaming device can either “look for” two different 50 credit events,one 50-credit event and two 25-credit events, and so on).

In accordance with some embodiments, apparatus, systems and methods forcomparing a game outcome with a secondary feature (e.g., audio/videoprogramming) of a gaming device are disclosed. In one embodiment, a slotmachine may be configured to (i) output audio/video content (e.g., thetelevision show “Buddies” is output via a display screen), (ii)determine a game outcome (e.g., three video reels spin and resolve to“Rachel-Rachel-Rachel”), (iii) determine a payout amount associated withthe outcome (e.g., 50 coins), (iv) determine a payout requirementassociated with the outcome (e.g., if the outcome comprises at least one“Rachel” symbol, the Rachel character must appear on screen), (v)determine whether or not the output audio/video content satisfies thepayout requirement (e.g., the Rachel character appears on screen atsubstantially the time that the “Rachel” symbol is disposed along apayline) and (vi) output the payout amount (e.g., 50 credits are addedto a gaming device credit meter) if the audio/video content satisfiesthe payout requirement.

Audio/video content, as the term is used herein, may comprise contentoutput via gaming device that may comprise one or more of (i) datarelating to the broadcasting or reception of sound; and (ii) datarelating to the production of images on video displays (e.g., atelevised image). In one embodiment, audio/video content may compriseall or a portion of an episode of a television show, including theimages and sounds thereof. Other examples of audio/video content includeanimated programming such as cartoons, a radio broadcast, a livetelevision broadcast, and so on. Audio/video content comprises contentbeyond the depiction of indicia disposed along a payline of a gamingdevice.

It should be noted that indicia being “disposed along” or “disposed on”a payline may comprise the indicia being arranged along the payline as aresult of a game play (e.g., as a means of conveying an outcome of agame play, substantially at a time of completion of the game play).

A “payline”, as the term is used herein, may refer to an area of adisplay area of a gaming device usable for conveying a result of a gameplay (e.g., where indicia of a game are aligned to indicate whether areward or prize has been won as a result of a game play). For example, apayline of a slot machine is typically a linear portion of a displayarea, typically indicated by a line drawn or output along the displayarea. In a video poker machine, a payline may be the portion of thedisplay area along which the cards of a final hand are displayed.

A first event occurring “at substantially a time” of a second event maymean that the second event occurs within a relatively short andspecified time of the first event having occurred. For example, in oneembodiment, it is determined whether audio/video content being output atsubstantially a time of indicia being disposed along a payline satisfiesa requirement associated with the indicia. This may mean, for example,determining whether the audio/video content output (i) a few seconds(e.g., 1 to 5 seconds) before the indicia being disposed along thepayline, (ii) at the time the indicia is disposed along the payline, or(iii) a few seconds (e.g., 1 to 5 seconds) after the indicia is disposedalong the payline satisfies the requirement.

Some additional terms and concepts used herein will now be described,prior to a more detailed description of some embodiments. This isfollowed by a description of systems and apparatus that may be used toimplement one or more embodiments, which description is followed by adescription of databases usable in accordance with one or moreembodiments. A plurality of example processes consistent with someembodiments is then described, followed by some examples of embodimentsand an additional description of some embodiments.

Introduction to Various Terms and Concepts

Throughout the description that follows and unless otherwise specified,the following terms may include and/or encompass the example meaningsprovided in this section. These terms and illustrative example meaningsare provided to clarify the language selected to describe embodimentsboth in the specification and in the appended claims.

Numerous embodiments are described in this patent application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. Those skilled in the art willrecognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced with variousmodifications and alterations. Although particular features of thedisclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one or moreparticular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understood thatsuch features are not limited to usage in the one or more particularembodiments or drawings with reference to which they are described,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thispatent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thispatent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way the scope ofthe disclosed invention(s).

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “one embodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but notall) embodiments of the disclosed invention(s)”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The enumerated listing of items (which may or may not be numbered) doesnot imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, the enumerated listing of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that the items arecomprehensive of any category, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The terms “plurality” mean “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

Devices that are in communication with each other need not be incontinuous communication with each other, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. In addition, devices that are in communication with eachother may communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components in communicationwith each other does not imply that all such components are required. Onthe contrary a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s).

Further, although process steps, method steps, algorithms or the likemay be described in a sequential order, such processes, methods andalgorithms may be configured to work in alternate orders. In otherwords, any sequence or order of steps that may be described does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder practical. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneously.

Each process/method includes one or more steps, and therefore areference to a “step” of a method has an inherent antecedent basis.

It will be readily apparent that the various methods and algorithmsdescribed herein may be implemented by, e.g., appropriately programmedgeneral purpose computers and computing devices. Typically a processor(e.g., a microprocessor) will receive instructions from a memory or likedevice, and execute those instructions, thereby performing a processdefined by those instructions. Further, programs that implement suchmethods and algorithms may be stored and transmitted using a variety ofknown media in a number of well-known manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, software instructions for implementation of theprocesses of the present invention. Thus, embodiments are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software

When a single device or article is described herein, it will be readilyapparent that more than one device/article (whether or not theycooperate) may be used in place of a single device/article. Similarly,where more than one device or article is described herein (whether ornot they cooperate), it will be readily apparent that a singledevice/article may be used in place of the more than one device orarticle.

The functionality and/or the features of a device may be alternativelyembodied by one or more other devices which are not explicitly describedas having such functionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need notinclude the device itself.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any mediumthat participates in providing data (e.g., instructions) which may beread by a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may takemany forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatilemedia, and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example,optical or magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile mediainclude dynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutesthe main memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wireand fiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupledto the processor. Transmission media may include or convey acousticwaves, light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as thosegenerated during radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) datacommunications. Common forms of computer-readable media include, forexample, a floppy disk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, anyother magnetic medium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punchcards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, aRAM, a PROM, an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip orcartridge, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other mediumfrom which a computer can read.

Various forms of computer-readable media may be involved in carryingsequences of instructions to a processor. For example, sequences ofinstruction (i) may be delivered from RAM to a processor, (ii) may becarried over a wireless transmission medium, and/or (iii) may beformatted according to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such asBluetooth, TDMA, CDMA, 3G.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed.

The term “game”, unless specified otherwise, may refer to a wageringactivity whereby a player posts consideration, usually monetary in form,in exchange for a chance at winning a payout (which is typically amonetary payout). The definition is intended to include basic or primarygames and bonus or secondary games.

The term “game play” may refer to a single play of a base game or asecondary game at a gaming device that generates a singular,corresponding outcome (e.g., a player pulls the handle of a slot machineand the reels resolve to “Bar-Bar-Bar”). In one embodiment, a playerwagers a number of credits in accordance with each game play. In someembodiments, one or more game plays may be associated with a particularcashless gaming receipt. For example, (i) the wagered credits of a gameplay may be derived from a balance of credits generated by an insertedreceipt, or (ii) a game play may occur during a session initiated by areceipt. In a video poker embodiment, a game play may result in a firstand second hands, both in the same game.

The terms “controller” and “computer” shall by synonymous and may referto an electronic device (e.g., a personal computer) that communicateswith one or more gaming devices. In a manner well known in the art, acontroller may function as a computer server and may control the actionsof gaming devices. A controller may also contain databases to recordstatistics such as coin-in, coin-out, jackpot information, theoreticalwins, etc.

The terms “game session”, “session” and “play session” are usedinterchangeably herein and may refer to a gambling event with abeginning and end that may encompass a number of game plays, spins,handle pulls, or span of time. The end of the game may be determinedvoluntarily (in which the player elects to stop play) or involuntarily(in which the gaming device terminates play). In some embodiments, agame session may be associated with a particular cashless gamingreceipt, particular player or particular player identifier and/orparticular gaming device. For example, an associated session may beginwhen a player inserts a particular cashless gaming receipt, and end whenthe player cashes out.

The terms “cash-out ticket”, “cashless gaming ticket”, “ticket”, and“cashless gaming receipt” are used interchangeably herein and may refer,unless specified otherwise, to a substrate (e.g., a small piece ofpaper) that may be output and/or received by a device such as a gamingdevice (e.g., via a “ticket-in/ticket-out” slot of a gaming device orits peripheral device) and that is redeemable for cash or anotherbenefit and/or may be used for wagering purposes. A cash-out ticket maybe issued by a game or gaming device, or as a result of a communicationfrom a game or gaming device to associated equipment. A cash-out ticketmay be associated with a value that is based on a credit meter balanceof a gaming device at the time a player requests to cash out the balanceand is issued the cash-out ticket. A cash-out ticket may comprise (i)machine-readable indicia (e.g., a bar code) or other machine-readablesubstance (e.g., magnetically encoded material) and/or (ii) anidentifier (e.g., a unique series of numeric digits or alphanumericcharacters). In one or more embodiments, machine-readable indicia mayindicate an identifier (e.g., a printed barcode encodes a ticketidentifier). In one embodiment, a database stored at a central location(e.g., a server operable to communicate with one or more gaming device,one or more casino attendant terminals and/or other devices) may storerecords of issued cash-out tickets, each record correlating anidentifier of a cash-out ticket to a value. A cash-out ticket mayentitle its bearer (or a specified person) to an amount of credits orcurrency equal to an indicated face value or to an amount based on anindicated face value. An indicated face value may correspond to anamount of credits indicated by a credit meter balance of a gaming deviceat the time of cash-out.

The term “indicia” may refer, unless specified otherwise, to one or moreindicia or symbols of a game that may be used to convey a result of agame play and/or that may comprise an outcome of a game play. Forexample, a set of symbols for a game may comprise indicia representingan outcome of a game play. An outcome of a game play may comprise, forexample, indicia disposed along a payline as a result of a game play.Examples of indicia include cherry-cherry-cherry in a slot machine game,representations of cards in a card game, etc.

The term “payout” may refer, unless specified otherwise, to a prize,reward, winnings, or bonus to be provided as a result of an outcome thatcorresponds to the payout. For example, a payout may comprise an amountof currency. For example, an amount of cash, electronic credits, and/orcomp points may be provided as a result of a game play that is conveyedto a player via indicia of the game being disposed along a payline of agaming device.

The term “jackpot” may refer, unless specified otherwise, to the topprize, or value of greatest relative benefit, available for winning viaa game.

The term “gaming device” may refer to any electrical, mechanical, orelectro-mechanical device that, in a manner well known in the art,accepts wagers, steps through a process to determine an outcome, anddetermines winnings (e.g., a payout) based on the outcome. The outcomemay be randomly generated, as with a slot machine; may be generatedthrough a combination of randomness and player skill, as with videopoker; or may be generated entirely through player skill. Gaming devicesmay include slot machines (both video and mechanical reels), video pokermachines, video blackjack machines, video roulette machines, video kenomachines, video bingo machines, pachinko machines, video lotteryterminals, handheld gaming devices, terminals of table games (whethercontrolled by a player or a dealer) and the like.

The term “peripheral device” may refer to a device operatively connectedto a gaming device that is configured to assist in the operation ofgame-related functions. In some embodiments peripheral devices may belocated near players at a table game.

The term “player tracking card” may refer to a casino issued plastic orpaper card (resembling a frequent shopper card) given to players as away of identifying the player at a slot machine or table game. As iswell known in the art, such cards typically have encoded thereon (inmachine-readable and/or human readable form) a player identifier (e.g.,a six digit number) which uniquely identifies the player (e.g., becausethe number is associated with a record in a database that includescorresponding player information). At a slot machine, the player insertsthe card into a reader device and the player identifier is read from thecard, most often magnetically. From the player identifier which thereader device reads, the corresponding player information may in turn beread from the database, typically via a network connection between thereader device and a deice hosting the database.

The term “prepaid session” may refer to a quantity of time or handlepulls that are paid for in advance. Once a session is prepaid, theplayer does not need to supply any additional funds until the sessionhas been completed. A prepaid session may allow the player to completemany games during the session.

The terms “primary display area” and “first display area” are usedinterchangeably herein and may refer to a display area of a device(e.g., a gaming device and/or a peripheral device) used to display aresult of a game play, such as (i) a video representation of one or morespinning reels or (ii) one or more mechanical reels.

The terms “secondary display area” and “second display area” are usedinterchangeably herein and may refer to a display area of a device(e.g., a gaming device and/or a peripheral device) operable to displayaudio/video content distinct from indicia used to convey a result of agame play. In one embodiment, the primary display area and the secondarydisplay area are portions or areas of the same display device or videoscreen. In another embodiment, the first display area is a first displaydevice while the second display area is a second and distinct displaydevice.

The terms “credit balance”, as used herein unless specified otherwise,may refer to an indication of an amount of currency (or other value)that is due to a player and/or that is available for wagering (e.g., awager may be drawn from a credit balance). In some embodiments, abalance may be associated with a gaming device being operated by aplayer. An indication of the amount of currency or other value may beoutput via a gaming device display, such as an LED “credit meter.” Insome embodiments, a player wishing to cash out is provided with payment(e.g., a cashless gaming ticket) equal to his credit balance, orotherwise based on his credit balance (e.g., the integer amount of acredit balance, such as $5.00 for a balance of $5.50). In anotherembodiment, a credit balance may be stored on a smart card and/or acasino server (e.g., and available for transfer to a gaming device).

Apparatus and Systems

Referring now to FIG. 1A, an example embodiment 100A of a system inaccordance with one or more embodiments is depicted in block diagramform. Embodiment 100A is referred to as system 100A herein. The presentinvention can be configured to work as a system 100A in a networkenvironment including a computer 110A (e.g., a slot server of a casino)that is in communication, via a communications network, with one or moregaming devices 130A (e.g., slot machines, video poker machines, etc.).The computer 110A may communicate with the gaming devices directly orindirectly, via a wired or wireless medium such as the Internet, LAN,WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via any appropriate communications meansor combination of communications means. Each of the gaming devices 130Amay comprise computers, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium®processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer 110A. Anynumber and type of devices 130A may be in communication with thecomputer 110A.

Communication between the devices 130A and the computer 110A, and amongthe devices 130A, may be direct or indirect, such as over the Internetthrough a Web site maintained by computer on a remote server or over anon-line data network including commercial on-line service providers,bulletin board systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, thegaming devices 130A may communicate with one another and/or the computer110A over RF, cable TV, satellite links and the like.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprise thenetwork or be otherwise part of the system 100A include: a local areanetwork (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, a telephoneline, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communications line, anda satellite communications link. Possible communications protocols thatmay be part of the system include: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP,Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacyand prevent fraud in any of a variety of ways well known in the art.

A variety of communications protocols may be part of the system 100A oranother system described herein (e.g. system 100B, described withrespect to FIG. 1B), including but not limited to: Ethernet (or IEEE802.3), SAP, SAS™, SuperSAS™, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP. Further, insome embodiments, various communications protocols endorsed by theGaming Standards Association of Fremont, Calif., may be utilized, suchas (i) the Gaming Device Standard (GDS), which may facilitatecommunication between a gaming device and various component devicesand/or peripheral devices (e.g., printers, bill acceptors, etc.), (ii)the Best of Breed (BOB) standard, which may facilitate communicationbetween a gaming device and various servers related to play of one ormore gaming devices (e.g., servers that assist in providing accounting,player tracking, ticket-in/ticket-out and progressive jackpotfunctionality), and/or (iii) the System-to-System (S2S) standard, whichmay facilitate communication between game-related servers and/or casinoproperty management servers (e.g., a hotel server comprising one or moredatabases that store information about booking and reservations).Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacy and prevent fraud inany of a variety of ways well known in the art.

In some embodiments, a computer 110A may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, one or more embodiments may be practiced on astand-alone gaming device 130A and/or a gaming device 130A incommunication only with one or more other gaming devices 130A (i.e.without a computer 110A). In such embodiments, any functions describedas performed by the computer 110A or data described as stored on thecomputer 110A may instead be performed by or stored on one or moregaming devices 130A.

Turning to FIG. 1B, an alternative system 100B according to someembodiments of the present invention includes a computer 110B (e.g., aslot server of a casino) that is in communication, via a communicationsnetwork 120B, with one or more gaming devices 130B (e.g., slot machines,video poker machines). A difference between the aforementioned system100A and this alternative system 100B is that in this system 100B atleast one gaming device 130B is also in communication with one or moreperipheral devices 140B. A peripheral device 140B may, in turn, be incommunication with a peripheral device server 145B and, in someembodiments, with the computer 110B. In some embodiments the peripheraldevice server 145B may be in communication with one or more gamingdevices 130B and/or the computer 145B.

The computer 110B may communicate with any or all of the devices 130B,140B and/or 145B directly or indirectly, via a wired or wireless mediumsuch as the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, or via anyappropriate communications means or combination of communications means.For example, the computer 110B may communicate directly with one of thegaming devices 130B (e.g., via a LAN) and indirectly (e.g., via a gamingdevice) with a peripheral device 140B. In another example, the computer110B may communicate with one of the gaming devices 130B via a LAN andwith another of the gaming devices 130B via the Internet (e.g., if theparticular gaming device 130B comprises a personal computer incommunication with an online casino).

At least one of the devices of the system 100B may comprise computers,such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® processor, that are adaptedto communicate with the computer. Further, at least one of the devices130B may comprise a gaming device such as a mechanical or electronicslot machine, a video poker machine, a video blackjack machine, a videokeno machine, a pachinko machine, a video roulette machine, and/or alottery terminal. Further yet, at least one of the peripheral devices140B may comprise an external or internal module associated with one ormore of the gaming devices 130B. In one embodiment, the module may beoperable to communicate with one or more of the gaming devices 130B andof directing the one or more gaming devices 130B to perform one or morefunctions. Any number and type of gaming devices 130B may be incommunication with the computer 110B. Any number and type of peripheraldevices 140B may be in communication with a gaming device 130B,peripheral device server 145B and/or the computer 110B.

Communication among any or all of the devices of the system 100B may bedirect or indirect, such as over the Internet through a Web sitemaintained by the computer 110B on a remote server or over an on-linedata network including commercial on-line service providers, bulletinboard systems and the like. In yet other embodiments, any or all of thedevices of the system 100B may communicate with one another over RF,cable TV, satellite links and the like.

Some, but not all, possible communication networks that may comprise thenetwork 120B or otherwise be part of the system 100B or another systemdescribed herein include: a local area network (LAN), a wide areanetwork (WAN), the Internet, a telephone line, a cable line, a radiochannel, an optical communications line, a satellite communicationslink. Possible communications protocols that may be part of the systeminclude: Ethernet (or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth™, and TCP/IP.Communication may be encrypted to ensure privacy and prevent fraud inany of a variety of ways well known in the art.

In some embodiments, the computer 110B may not be necessary and/orpreferred. For example, one or more embodiments may be practiced on astand-alone gaming device 130B, one or more gaming devices 130B incommunication with one or more peripheral devices 140B, one or moregaming devices 130B in communication with a peripheral device server145B, one or more peripheral devices 140B in communication with aperipheral device server 145B, and/or a gaming device 130B incommunication only with one or more other gaming devices 130B. In suchembodiments, any functions described as performed by the computer 110Bor data described as stored in a memory of the computer 110B may insteadbe performed by or stored on one or more other devices of the system10B.

Similarly, a peripheral device server 145B may not be desired and/orpreferred in some embodiments of the present invention. In embodimentsthat do not involve a peripheral device server 145B, any or all of thefunctions described herein as being performed by a peripheral deviceserver 145B may instead be performed by one or more of the other devicesof the system 100B. Similarly, in embodiments that do not involve aperipheral device server 145B any data described herein as being storedin a memory of a peripheral device server 145B may instead be stored ina memory of one or more other devices of the system 100B.

Any or all of the gaming devices 130B may, respectively, include or bein communication with a peripheral device 140B. A peripheral device 140Bmay be a device that receives information from (and/or transmitsinformation to) one or more gaming devices 130B. For example, aperipheral device 140B may be operable to receive information aboutgames being played on a gaming device 130B, such as the initiation of agame and/or a random number that has been generated for a game. In oneembodiment, a peripheral device 140 may comprise a video screen foroutputting audio/video content, which audio/video content may be relatedto indicia disposed along a payline of a gaming device 130B, asdescribed herein.

In one or more embodiments, one or more peripheral devices 140B may bein communication with a peripheral device server 145B. This may allowthe peripheral device server 145B to receive information regarding aplurality of games being played on a plurality of gaming devices 130B.The peripheral device server 145B, in turn, may be in communication withthe computer 110B. It should be understood that any functions describedherein as performed by a peripheral device 140B may also or instead beperformed by the peripheral device server 145B. Similarly, any datadescribed herein as being stored on or accessed by a peripheral device140B may also or instead be stored on or accessed by the peripheraldevice server 145B.

A peripheral device 140B may be operable to access a database (e.g., ofa peripheral device server 145B) to provide benefits (e.g., cashlessgaming receipts) based on, for example, an analysis of audio/videocontent output at substantially a time that indicia is disposed along apayline of a gaming device 130B associated with the peripheral device140B.

The peripheral device server 145B may also monitor player gamblinghistory over time by associating gambling behavior with playeridentifiers, such as player tracking card numbers. For example,information about the player obtained or accessed by a peripheral deviceserver 145B may be analyzed, e.g., to identify those players that aparticular gaming machine owner, operator, or manufacturer finds mostdesirable. Based upon desired objectives, the peripheral device server145B may direct the appropriate peripheral device 140B to issuecustomized messages, offers, and games to specific players. For example,the peripheral device server 145 may direct the appropriate peripheraldevice 140 to output a message to a player, informing the player thatthe player has qualified for a payout because a characteristic ofaudio/video content satisfies a requirement associated with indiciadisposed along a payline of a gaming device 130 associated with theperipheral device 140B.

Information received by a peripheral device 140B from a gaming device130B may include gambling data such as number of games initiated perunit of time, outcomes displayed for games initiated, payoutscorresponding to outcomes displayed, a credit meter balance of thegaming device 130B, and/or data associated with the player currentlyplaying the gaming device 130B.

The functions described herein as being performed by a peripheral deviceserver 145B and/or a peripheral device 140B may, in one or moreembodiments, be performed by the computer 110B or a gaming device 130B(in lieu of or in conjunction with being performed by a peripheraldevice server 144B and/or a peripheral device 140B).

In some embodiments, a peripheral device 140B may be useful forimplementing the embodiments of the present invention into the operationof a conventional gaming device. For example, in order to avoid orminimize the necessity of modifying or replacing a program alreadystored in a memory of a conventional gaming device, an external orinternal module that comprises a peripheral device 140B may be insertedin or associated with a conventional gaming device to transform it intoa gaming device 130B of the present invention.

Thus, for example, a peripheral device 140B may be utilized to monitorplay of the gaming device 130B and output messages and an outcome of agame. In such embodiments the gaming device 130B with which theperipheral device 140B is in communication may continue to operateconventionally. In such embodiments the gaming device 130B may continueto output an outcome for each game played. The peripheral device 140B,however, may output audio/video content as appropriate. The peripheraldevice 140B may also output messages to the player. The peripheraldevice 140B may also provide benefits to a player (e.g., coins, tokens,electronic credits, paper receipts exchangeable for cash, services,and/or merchandise). For example, a gaming device 130B may output afirst payout if indicia disposed along a payline of the gaming devicecorrespond to the payout. In addition, a peripheral device 140B mayoutput an additional payout (i.e., a payout or bonus in addition to thefirst payout) if audio/video content (e.g., audio/video content outputvia a display device of a the peripheral device 140B or a display deviceof another device) if a characteristic of audio/video content satisfiesa requirement corresponding to the indicia. In one embodiment, theperipheral device 140B may be operable to determine whether theaudio/video content satisfies the requirement.

Accordingly, a peripheral device 140B may include (i) a communicationsport (e.g., for communicating with one or more gaming devices,peripheral device server, another peripheral device, and/or computer;(ii) a display (e.g., for displaying messages and/or audio/videocontent), (iii) another output means (e.g., a speaker, light, or motiondevice to communicate with a player), and/or (iv) a benefit providingmeans (e.g., a printer and paper dispensing means, a credit meter,and/or a hopper and hopper controller).

In some embodiments, a peripheral device 140B may not output outcomes,audio/video content and/or messages to a player but may instead direct agaming device 130B to perform such functions. For example, a programstored in a memory of peripheral device 140B may cause a processor of agaming device 130B to perform certain functions. For example, a programstored in a memory of peripheral device 140B may cause a processor of agaming device 130B to output an outcome, determine an outcome, output amessage, access a database, provide a benefit, refrain from providing abenefit (e.g., by not sending a signal to a hopper controller of thegaming device when it otherwise normally would), output audio/videocontent, determine whether a characteristic of audio/video contentsatisfies a requirement corresponding to indicia disposed along apayline (or indicia expected to be disposed along a payline) and/orcommunicate with another device. Examples of a peripheral device 140Binclude (1) electronic apparatuses “retrofitted” to conventional gamingdevices so that inventive processes disclosed herein may be realizedthrough game play at the gaming device 130B, (2) Personal DigitalAssistants such as those manufactured by Palm, Inc., (3) lap topcomputers, (4) cellular telephones, (5) pagers, or (6) any combinationthereof.

In one or more embodiments, either or both of system 100A and system100B may include additional devices, such as one or more kiosks and/orone or more casino personnel devices. One or more point-of-saleterminals associated with one or more merchants may also be included ineither or both of system 100A and system 100B.

In some embodiments, a kiosk may be configured to execute or assist inthe execution of various processes of the present invention. In someembodiments, a kiosk may comprise a processor and a memory as described.A kiosk may also comprise various input devices (e.g., a keypad, akeyboard, a mouse, buttons, a port that receives player tracking cards,an optical scanner for reading barcodes or other indicia, a CCD camera,etc.), output devices (e.g., a display screen, audio speakers, etc.),benefit output devices (e.g., a coin tray or printer for printingcashless gaming tickets), combinations thereof (e.g., a“ticket-in/ticket-out” device, a touch-sensitive display screen, etc.),communications ports, and so on. Thus, a kiosk may comprise many of thefeatures and components of a gaming device, though the kiosk itself maynot necessarily be configured to enable gambling activity as a primaryfunction. A kiosk may communicate with any or all of (i) a centralcontroller, (ii) a gaming device, (iii) an inventory/reservation systemof a casino-maintained property (e.g., a hotel), (iv) casino personneldevices, (v) merchant POS terminals, and so on. A number of kiosks maybe stationed within casino premises (e.g., at various locations on aslot floor). In various embodiments, kiosks may execute or assist in theexecution of (i) determining and outputting a player status or othertypes of data described herein (e.g., a kiosk receives a player trackingcard, and outputs a number of accumulated reward which a player may beentitled to redeem), (ii) outputting payments to players (e.g., uponreceipt of cashless gaming tickets, player tracking cards, smart cards,etc.), and/or (iii) any other process described herein. Thus, such adevice may be configured to read from and/or write to one or moredatabases of the present invention. The memory of such a device maystore a program for executing such processes.

In some embodiments, various casino employees may be equipped with orotherwise utilize one or more casino personnel devices, such as personaldigital assistants (PDAs) or other computing devices (e.g., personalcomputer terminals). A casino personnel device may comprise variousinput devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-sensitive display screen, a cardreader, an infrared bar code scanner, etc.), various output devices(e.g., an LCD screen), a processor, a memory and/or a communicationsport, as described herein with respect to other devices. In someembodiments, a casino personnel device may communicate with a gamingdevice, server, kiosk, peripheral device, and/or aninventory/reservation system of a casino-maintained property (e.g., ahotel). Thus, a casino personnel device may be configurable to, amongother things, (i) read from and/or write to one or more databases of thepresent invention, (ii) assist in payments made to players (e.g., arepresentative “scans” a cashless gaming receipt and determines a valueassociated with the receipt, and if the receipt is valid, providespayment equal to the value), and/or (iii) execute or assist in theexecution of various other processes described herein. The memory ofsuch a device may store a program for executing such processes.

In some embodiments, various merchants (e.g., shops, restaurants, etc.)may utilize point-of-sale (POS) computer terminals to facilitate variousprocesses of the present invention. For example, in some embodiments, aplayer may receive a cashless gaming ticket redeemable for an amount ofcurrency. However, the ticket may alternately or additionally beredeemable for an amount of credit at a particular merchant location.Thus, in some embodiments, merchants may utilize POS terminals to redeemsuch vouchers. In some embodiments, such devices may be configured toread from and/or write to one or more databases of the presentinvention. Such POS terminals may thus comprise various hardware andsoftware described herein with respect to other devices, and maycommunicate with (i) a central slot server, (ii) a gaming device, (iii)an inventory/reservation system (e.g., a computer terminal at a theatrecommunicates with an inventory database to determine a number of unsoldseats for a certain event), (iv) a kiosk, and so on.

In some embodiments of the present invention, various component devices(e.g., any or all of the benefit output devices, output devices, inputdevices and/or input output devices described herein) may be embodied asperipheral devices. For example, such devices may not necessarily becomponents of a gaming device, though they may be configured in such amanner so as to communicate with one or more gaming device processors orany other devices described herein. For example, a peripheral devicesuch as a large display device may be associated with a plurality ofgaming devices, and thus may not necessarily be considered a componentof any one gaming device. Further, in some embodiments, certainperipheral devices such as card readers may be interchangeable betweengaming devices, and thus may be considered a component of a first gamingdevice while connected thereto, removed from the first gaming device,connected to a second gaming device, and so on. In other embodiments,various peripheral devices may never be considered a component of aparticular gaming device. For example, in some embodiments, a peripheraldevice such as a USB-based portable memory device may store (i) one ormore databases described herein, and/or (ii) a program for executing oneor more process steps described herein. Such a peripheral device maythen be utilized by casino personnel for upgrading/retrofitting existinggaming devices as described herein.

It should be noted that in either or both of system 100A and system100B, the computer 110A and/or computer 110B may be operable to streamor otherwise transmit the audio/video content to a gaming device foroutput at the gaming device. Further, the computer 110A and/or computer110B may be operable to modify the operation or configurations of agaming device, such as adjusting one or more paytables or probabilitytables used by a gaming device.

Referring now to FIG. 2, illustrated therein is an embodiment 200 of acomputer 110A and/or a computer 110B. Embodiment 200 is referred to ascomputer 200 herein. The computer 200 may be implemented as a systemcontroller, a dedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmedgeneral-purpose computer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanicalor electro-mechanical device. The computer 200 may comprise, forexample, a server computer operable to communicate with one or moreclient devices, such as one or more gaming devices, one or more kiosks,one or more peripheral devices, and/or one or more casino personneldevices. The computer 200 may be operative to manage the system 100A orthe system 100B and execute some or all of the methods described herein.

In operation, the computer 200 may function under the control of acasino, another merchant, or other entity that may also control use ofthe gaming devices 130B, peripheral devices 140B and/or a peripheraldevice server 145B. For example, the computer 200 may be a slot serverin a casino. In some embodiments, the computer 200 and a slot server maybe different devices. In some embodiments, the computer 200 may comprisea plurality of computers operating together. In some embodiments, thecomputer 200 and a peripheral device server 145B may be the same device.

The computer 200 comprises a processor 205, such as one or more Intel®Pentium® processors. The processor 205 is in communication with a memory210 and a communications port 215 (e.g., for communicating with one ormore other devices). The memory 210 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The processor 205 and thememory 210 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the computer 200 maycomprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 210 stores a program 220 for controlling the processor 205.The processor 205 performs instructions of the program 220, and therebyoperates in accordance with the present invention, and particularly inaccordance with the methods described in detail herein. The program 220may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/or encrypted format. Theprogram 220 furthermore includes program elements that may be necessary,such as an operating system, a database management system and “devicedrivers” for allowing the processor 205 to interface with computerperipheral devices. Appropriate program elements are known to thoseskilled in the art, and need not be described in detail herein.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the instructions ofthe program 220 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such from a ROM to RAM. Execution of sequencesof the instructions in program 220 causes processor 205 to perform theprocess steps described herein. In alternate embodiments, hard-wiredcircuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with, softwareinstructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software.

The memory 210 also stores (i) a payout requirement(s) database 225(which may store an indication of one or more requirements to besatisfied in order for a payout to be provided upon indicia associatedwith the one or more requirements being disposed along a payline of agaming device) and (ii) an audio/video content characteristic(s)database 230 (which may store data indicating one or morecharacteristics of audio/video content available for output via a gamingdevice). Each of the databases 225 and 230 are described in more detailbelow.

Although the databases 225 and 230 are described as being stored in amemory of computer 200, in other embodiments some or all of thesedatabases may be partially or wholly stored, in lieu of or in additionto being stored in a memory of computer 200, in a memory of one or moreother devices. Such one or more other devices may comprise, for example,one or more peripheral devices, a peripheral device server, one or moregaming devices, a slot server (if different from the computer 200),another device, or a combination thereof. Further, some or all of thedata described as being stored in the memory 210 may be partially orwholly stored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the memory210) in a memory of one or more other devices. Such one or more otherdevices may comprise, for example, one or more peripheral devices, oneor more gaming devices, a peripheral device server, a slot server (ifdifferent from computer 200), another device, or a combination thereof.

In one or more embodiments, memory 210 may store additional databases.For example, a gaming device database that stores information regardingone or more gaming devices may be stored in memory 210 or another memoryof system 100A and/or system 100B. A gaming device database (not shown)may be utilized to store and access information associated with one ormore gaming devices with which computer 200 is operable to communicate.Examples of such information include information regarding (i) amanufacturer of a gaming device; (ii) a denomination of a gaming device;(iii) one or more games available on the gaming device; (iv) featuresavailable on a gaming device; (v) features currently activated on agaming device; (vi) a location of a gaming device; (vii) a status of agaming device; (viii) outcomes obtained via the gaming device; (ix)coin-in of a gaming device; (x) coin-out of a gaming device; (xi) payouttables available for the gaming device; (xii) audio/video contentavailable for output via a gaming device; and/or (xiii) audio/videocontent (or an indication or status thereof) currently being output viaa gaming device. For example, in one embodiment computer 200 may beoperable to download audio/video content to a gaming device and mayaccess a gaming device database in order to determine an address of thegaming device and/or the audio/video content, a file of the audio/videocontent, or an indication of the audio/video content.

In one embodiment, memory 200 may store a player database (not shown). Aplayer database may be utilized to store historical and/or current dataassociated with specific players. A player database may be used, forexample, to store player wager data so that players wagering over agiven threshold in a given amount of time may be rewarded for theirpatronage. The player database may also contain other information thatmay be useful in, for example, promoting and managing player behaviors(e.g., information about the player's gaming preferences, previousalternate payment offer selections and/or preferences, outstandingdebts, lodging arrangements, and the like). Further, the player databasemay store data regarding a given player's standing in a game session orbonus game, so that the player can continue the game session or bonusgame at a plurality of game machines that have common access to theplayer database. In one embodiment, a player database may store anindication of a player's favorite and/or previously selected audio/videocontent, as well as an indication of the portion of the audio/videocontent last viewed. Player data may be stored in a relational databaseand retrieved or otherwise accessed by the processor after receiving a“key” data point from the player, such as a unique identifier read fromthe player's player tracking card or another card identifying an accountassociated with the player (e.g., a credit, debit or smart card), a codeinput by a player, or cashless gaming ticket.

Referring now to FIG. 3, illustrated therein is a block diagram of anexample embodiment 300 of a gaming device (e.g., a gaming device 130A ora gaming device 130B) that may be used in accordance with one or moreembodiments. Embodiment 300 is referred to herein as gaming device 300.

The gaming device 300 may be implemented as a system controller, adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purposecomputer, or any other equivalent electronic, mechanical orelectromechanical device. The gaming device 300 may comprise, forexample, a slot machine, a video poker terminal, a video blackjackterminal, a video keno terminal, a video lottery terminal, a pachinkomachine or a table-top game (e.g., a mechanical or electro-mechanicaldevice may be associated with a table game and be operable by a playerand/or a dealer).

In some embodiments, a gaming device 300 may comprise, for example, apersonal computer (e.g., which communicates with an online casino Website), a telephone (e.g., to communicate with an automated sports bookthat provides gaming services), and/or a portable handheld gaming device(e.g., a personal digital assistant, Nintendo GameBoy or Sony PSP). Insome embodiments, a user device such as a PDA or cell phone may be usedin place of, or in addition to, some or all of the gaming device 300components depicted in FIG. 3. Further, a gaming device 300 may comprisea personal computer or other device operable to communicate with anonline casino and facilitate game play at the online casino. In one ormore embodiments, the gaming device 300 may comprise a computing deviceoperable to execute software that simulates play of, for example, areeled (mechanical or video) slot machine game, video poker game, videoblackjack game, video keno game, video roulette game, or lottery game.

It should be noted that not all of the components described herein asbeing components of gaming device 300 may be necessary and/or preferredfor a gaming device operable to implement embodiments described herein.For example, in embodiments in which a gaming device comprises apersonal computer operable to access an online casino, a random numbergenerator may not be a component of the gaming device but may rather bea component of a server administering the online casino. In anotherexample, a gaming device that comprises a personal computer may notnecessarily include a benefit output device and/or a player-trackingdevice.

The gaming device 300 comprises a processor 305, such as one or moreIntel® Pentium® processors. The processor 305 is in communication with amemory 310 and a communications port 315 (e.g., for communicating withone or more other devices). The memory 310 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, Random Access Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory(ROM), a compact disc and/or a hard disk. The memory 310 may comprise orinclude any type of computer-readable medium. The processor 305 and thememory 310 may each be, for example: (i) located entirely within asingle computer or other device; or (ii) connected to each other by aremote communication medium, such as a serial port cable, telephone lineor radio frequency transceiver. In one embodiment, the gaming device 300may comprise one or more devices that are connected to a remote servercomputer for maintaining databases.

The memory 310 stores a program 320 for controlling the processor 305.The processor 305 performs instructions of the program 320, and therebyoperates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention, andparticularly in accordance with the methods described in detail herein.The program 320 may be stored in a compressed, uncompiled and/orencrypted format. The program 320 may furthermore includes programelements that may be necessary, such as an operating system, a databasemanagement system and “device drivers” for allowing the processor 305 tointerface with computer peripheral devices. Appropriate program elementsare known to those skilled in the art, and need not be described indetail herein.

According to an embodiment described herein, the instructions of theprogram 320 may be read into a main memory from anothercomputer-readable medium, such as from a ROM to RAM. Execution ofsequences of the instructions in program 320 causes processor 305 toperform the process steps described herein. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination with,software instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments described herein are not limited to anyspecific combination of hardware and software. As discussed with respectto system 100B of FIG. 1B, in some embodiments execution of sequences ofthe instructions in a program of a peripheral device 140B incommunication with a gaming device such as gaming device 300 may alsocause processor 305 to perform some of the process steps describedherein.

The memory 310 also stores a plurality of databases, including aprobability database 325, a payout database 330, and availableaudio/video content database 335 (which may store data associated withaudio/video content available for output via the gaming device 300).Each of these databases is described in detail below. Additionally, thememory 310 may store (e.g., while audio/video content is being output),an indication of the audio/video content currently being output (and,for example, an indication of a status thereof), via, for example, amemory caching or disk caching mechanism.

Although databases 325, 330 and 335 are described as being stored in agaming device 300, in other embodiments of the present invention some orall of these databases may be partially or wholly stored (in addition toor in lieu of being stored in gaming device 300) in one or more otherdevices. Such one or more other devices may comprise, for example, (i)one or more peripheral devices, (ii) a peripheral device server, (iii)computer 110A, (iv) computer 110B, (v) another device, or (vi) acombination thereof. Further, some or all of the data described as beingstored in the databases 325, 330, 335 and 340 may be partially or whollystored (in addition to or in lieu of being stored in the gaming device300) in a memory of one or more other devices. Such one or more otherdevices may comprise, for example, (i) one or more peripheral devices,(ii) a peripheral device server, (iii) computer 110A, (iv) computer110B, (v) another device, or (vi) a combination thereof.

The databases 325, 330 and 335 are described in detail below and examplestructures are depicted with sample entries in the accompanying figures.As will be understood by those skilled in the art, the schematicillustrations and accompanying descriptions of the sample databasespresented herein are exemplary arrangements for stored representationsof information. Any number of other arrangements may be employed besidesthose suggested by the tables shown. For example, even though threeseparate databases are illustrated, the invention could be practicedeffectively using one, two, four, five, or more functionally equivalentdatabases. Similarly, the illustrated entries of the databases representexemplary information only; those skilled in the art will understandthat the number and content of the entries can be different from thoseillustrated herein. Further, despite the depiction of the databases astables, an object-based model could be used to store and manipulate thedata types of the present invention and likewise, object methods orbehaviors can be used to implement the processes of the presentinvention.

As described, in one embodiment, a memory of gaming device 300 may storethe payout requirement(s) database 225 (FIG. 2) and/or the audio/videocontent characteristic(s) database 230 (FIG. 2). In one embodiment, eventhough database 225 and/or database 230 may be stored in a memory ofanother device, gaming device 300 may be operable to access the datathereof or have information associated with the data stored thereindownloaded to the gaming device as necessary and/or appropriate.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a random numbergenerator 345, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The randomnumber generator 345, in accordance with at least one embodiment of thepresent invention, may generate data representing random orpseudo-random values (referred to as “random numbers” herein). Therandom number generator may generate a random number every predeterminedunit of time (e.g., every second) and/or in response to an event such asan initiation of a game play on the gaming device or receipt of a signalfrom another device. In the former embodiment, the generated randomnumbers may be used as they are generated (e.g., the random numbergenerated at substantially the time of game play initiation is used forthat game play) and/or stored for future use. A random number generatedby the random number generator may be used by the processor 305 todetermine, for example, an outcome for a game play, a payout associatedwith an outcome, and/or which of a plurality of payouts to provide asthe result of an outcome. For example, in one embodiment a payout to beprovided as a result of a game play is determined based on a randomnumber. Indicia to dispose along a payline is then determined based onaudio/video content expected to be output at the time the indicia isdisposed along the payline. This process is described in more detailbelow with respect to FIG. 15.

A random number generator, as used herein, may be embodied as aprocessor separate from but working in cooperation with processor 305.Alternatively, a random number generator may be embodied as analgorithm, program component, or software stored in the memory of gamingdevice 300 and used to generate a random number.

Note that, although the generation or obtainment of a random number isdescribed herein as involving a random number generator of a gamingdevice, other methods of determining a random number may be employed.For example, a gaming device owner or operator may obtain sets of randomnumbers that have been generated by another entity. HotBits™, forexample, is a service that provides random numbers that have beengenerated by timing successive pairs of radioactive decays detected by aGeiger-Muller tube interfaced to a computer. In another example, ablower mechanism that uses physical balls with numbers thereon may beused to determine a random number by randomly selecting one of the ballsand determining the number thereof.

In yet another example, another device remote from and/or distinct fromthe gaming device 300 (e.g., a computer 110A or computer 110B) mayinclude a random number generator that generates random numbers to beprovided to the gaming device 300. For example, in some embodiments, agaming device may receive random numbers and/or any other data relatedto the random or pseudo-random determination of an outcome from aseparate device, such as a server. It should be noted that suchembodiments may be advantageous in environments or jurisdictions whereinthe “central determination” of outcomes is required by regulation orotherwise preferred.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a benefit outputdevice 350, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The benefitoutput device 350 may comprise one or more devices for outputting abenefit (e.g., a payout) to a player of the gaming device 300.

For example, in one embodiment the gaming device 300 may provide coinsand/or tokens as a benefit. In such an embodiment the benefit outputdevice 350 may comprise a hopper and hopper controller, for dispensingcoins and/or tokens into a coin tray of the gaming device 300.

In another example, the gaming device 300 may provide a receipt or otherdocument on which there is printed an indication of a benefit. Forexample, the gaming device may be operable to output one or morecash-out tickets. In such an embodiment the benefit output device 350may comprise a printing mechanism and a document dispensing mechanism.

In yet another example, the gaming device 300 may provide electroniccredits as a benefit (which, e.g., may be subsequently converted tocoins and/or tokens and dispensed from a hopper into a coin tray). Insuch an embodiment the benefit output device 350 may comprise a creditmeter balance and/or a processor that manages the amount of electroniccredits that is indicated on a display of a credit meter balance. Theprocessor may be the processor 305 or another processor.

In yet another example, the gaming device 300 may credit a monetaryamount to a financial account associated with a player as a benefitprovided to a player. The financial account may be, for example, acredit card account, a debit account, a charge account, a checkingaccount, or a casino account. In such an embodiment the benefit outputdevice 350 may comprise a device for communicating with a server onwhich the financial account is maintained.

Note that, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300 may includemore than one benefit output device 350 even though only one benefitoutput device is illustrated in FIG. 3. For example, the gaming device300 may include each of (i) a hopper and hopper controller combination,(ii) a credit meter balance, and (iii) a document printing anddispensing combination. Such a gaming device may be operable to providemore than one type of benefit to a player of the gaming device.

A single benefit output device 350 may be operable to output more thanone type of benefit. For example, a benefit output device 350 may beoperable to increase the balance of credits in a credit meter andcommunicate with a remote device in order to increase the balance of afinancial account associated with a player.

The processor 305 is also operable to communicate with a display device355, which may be a component of gaming device 300. The display device355 may comprise, for example, one or more display screens or areas foroutputting information related to game play on the gaming device, suchas a cathode ray tube (CRT) monitor, liquid crystal display (LCD)screen, or light emitting diode (LED) screen.

In one or more embodiments, gaming device 300 may comprise more than onedisplay device. For example, gaming device 300 may comprise an LCDdisplay for displaying electronic reels, a display area that displaysrotating mechanical reels, and an LED display of a player trackingdevice (e.g., such as player tracking device 360, described below) thatoutputs information to a player.

The processor 305 may also be in communication with one or more otheroutput devices besides the display device 355, for outputtinginformation (e.g., to a player or another device). Such other one ormore output devices may also be components of gaming device 300. Suchother one or more output devices may comprise, for example, an audiospeaker (e.g., for outputting audio information corresponding toaudio/video content), an infra-red transmitter, a radio transmitter, anelectric motor, a printer (e.g., such as for printing cashless gamingvouchers), a ticket or product dispenser, an infra-red port (e.g., forcommunicating with a second gaming device or a portable device of aplayer), a Braille computer monitor, and a coin or bill dispenser. Forgaming devices, common output devices include a cathode ray tube (CRT)monitor on a video poker machine, a bell on a gaming device (e.g., ringswhen a player wins), an LED display of a player's credit balance on agaming device, an LCD display of a personal digital assistant (PDA) fordisplaying keno numbers.

The display device 355 may comprise, for example, one or more displayareas. For example, one of the display areas may display outcomes ofgames played on the gaming device (e.g., electronic reels of a gamingdevice). Another of the display areas may display rules for playing agame of the gaming device. Yet another of the display areas may displaythe benefits obtainable by playing a game of the gaming device (e.g., inthe form of one or more payout tables). Yet another of the display areasmay display audio/video content. For example, a display area may outputall or a portion of a television episode selected by or on behalf of theplayer. In one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300 may includemore than one display device, one or more other output devices, or acombination thereof (e.g., two display devices and two audio speakers).In one embodiment, a first display area and a second display area maycomprise two distinct areas of the same display device (e.g., a slitscreen or a window within a screen, etc.).

The processor 305 is also in communication with an input device 365,which is a device that is capable of receiving an input (e.g., from aplayer or another device, such as a selection of an option or featureavailable on the gaming device, such as a selection of an episode of atelevision show) and which may be a component of gaming device 300. Aninput device may communicate with or be part of another device (e.g. acomputer 110A or computer 110B, another gaming device, etc.). Forexample, a player may use a touch screen to indicate his desire to viewall or a portion of a particular episode of a particular television showas the audio/video content for one or more game plays.

Some examples of input devices include: a bar-code scanner, an opticalscanner configured to read other indicia of a voucher or cashless gamingticket, a CCD camera, a magnetic stripe reader (e.g., for reading dataencoded upon a player tracking card), a smart card reader (e.g., forreading data stored upon a smart card), a computer keyboard or keypad, abutton, a handle, a lever, a keypad, a touch-screen, a microphone, aninfrared sensor, a voice recognition module, a coin or bill acceptor, asonic ranger, a computer port, a video camera, a motion detector, adigital camera, a network card, a universal serial bus (USB) port, a GPSreceiver, a radio frequency identification (RFID) receiver, an RFreceiver, a thermometer, a pressure sensor, an infrared port (e.g., forreceiving communications from a second gaming device or from a anotherdevice such as a smart card or PDA of a player), and a weight scale. Forgaming devices, common input devices include a button or touch screen ona video poker machine, a lever or handle connected to the gaming device,a magnetic stripe reader to read a player tracking card inserted into agaming device, a touch screen for input of player selections during gameplay, a paper ticket acceptor for accepting paper tickets such ascash-out tickets and a coin and bill acceptor.

In some embodiments, a gaming device may comprise components capable offacilitating both input and output functions (i.e., input/outputdevices). In one example, a touch-sensitive display screen comprises aninput/output device (e.g., the device outputs graphics and receivesselections from players). In another example, a processor maycommunicate with a “ticket-in/ticket-out” device configured to dispenseand receive cash-out tickets. Such a device may also assist in (e.g.,provide data so as to facilitate) various accounting functions (e.g.,ticket validation and redemption). For example, any or all of a gamingdevice, kiosk and casino personnel device maintained at a cashier cagemay (i) comprise such a benefit input/output device, and/or (ii)communicate with a central server that manages the accounting associatedwith such ticket-in/ticket-out transactions (e.g., so as to track theissuance, redemption and expiration of such tickets). One example ofticket-in/ticket-out technology that may be adapted or utilized toimplement embodiments described herein is the EZ Pay™ system, ismanufactured by International Gaming Technology, headquartered in Reno,Nev.

Of course, as would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, agaming device may comprise various combinations of such componentdevices. For example, in one or more embodiments, the gaming device mayinclude more than one display device, one or more other output devices,several input devices, and so on (e.g., two display screens, two audiospeakers, a ticket-in/ticket-out device and several buttons).

The processor 305 is also in communication with a payment system 270,which may be a component of gaming device 300. The payment system 270 isa device capable of accepting payment from a player (e.g., a bet orinitiation of a balance).

Exemplary methods of accepting payment by the payment system 270 include(i) receiving hard currency (i.e., coins or bills), and accordingly thepayment system 270 may comprise a coin or bill acceptor; (ii) receivingan alternate currency (e.g., a cash-out ticket, a coupon, anon-negotiable token), and accordingly the payment system 270 maycomprise a bar code reader or other sensing means; (iii) receiving apayment identifier (e.g., a credit card number, a debit card number, aplayer tracking card number, a code via a keypad or touch-screen); (iv)receiving a smart card having an indication of an amount of currencystored thereon; and (v) determining that a player has performed avalue-added activity (e.g., participating in surveys, monitoring remoteimages for security purposes, referring friends to the casino).

The processor 305 is further operable to communicate with a playertracking device 360, which may be a component of gaming device 300.Player tracking device 360 may, in one or more embodiments, comprise areader device operable to read information from and/or write informationto a card such as a smart card and/or a player tracking card, such that(i) players may be identified, and (ii) various data associated withplayers may then be determined (e.g., a number of cashable credits; anumber of promotional credits that may not be redeemed for cash; a codeor other indication of a benefit to be provided to the player, a numberof accumulated loyalty points; a number of accumulated game elementssuch as symbols, cards or hands; associated audio/video content, etc.).In one example, a card reader device may determine an identifierassociated with a player (e.g., by reading a player tracking cardcomprising an encoded version of the identifier), such that the gamingdevice may then access data (e.g., of a player database, a sessiondatabase) associated with the player. In another example, a smart cardreader device may determine data associated with a player directly byaccessing a memory of an inserted smart card.

In one embodiment, the player tracking device may comprise (i) a cardreader (e.g., a port into which player tracking cards may be inserted),(ii) various input devices (e.g., a keypad, a touch-screen), (iii)various output devices (e.g., a small, full-color display screen),and/or (iv) combinations thereof (e.g., a touch-sensitive display screenthat accommodates both input and output functions). Various commerciallyavailable devices may be suitable for such an application, such as theNextGen™ interactive player tracking panel manufactured by IGT or theiVIEW display screen manufactured by Bally® Gaming and Systems.

As known in the art, “smart cards” may incorporate (i) a memory, and(ii) means for accessing such a memory. For example, in one embodiment,the memory may store data related to aspects of the present invention.In one embodiment, data may be written to the smart card as a playerplays one or more gaming devices (e.g., such that various data may beupdated on a continuous, periodic or event-triggered bases).Accordingly, in one or more embodiments one or more devices operable tocarry out various processes of the present invention (e.g., a gamingdevice or kiosk) may have associated therewith a smart card readerdevice, such that data may be read from the smart card pursuant to theexecution of such processes. An example of a smart card system that maybe used to implement one or more embodiments of the present invention isthe s-Choice™ Smart Card Casino Management System from Smart CardIntegrators, Inc.™.

Of course, other non-card-based methods of identifying players arecontemplated. For example, a unique identification code may beassociated with the player. The player may then be identified uponentering the code. For example, the code may be stored (e.g., within adatabase maintained within the gaming device and/or a server) such thatthe player may enter the code using an input device of a gaming device,and accordingly be identified. In other embodiments, player biometricsmay serve as identification means (e.g., a player is identified via athumbprint or retinal scan). In further embodiments, a barcode of acashless gaming ticket may encode a player identifier.

Thus, as described, various data associated with a player may be trackedand stored (e.g., in an appropriate record of a centrally-maintaineddatabase), such that it may be accessed as desired (e.g., whendetermining promotional offers or rewards to be provided to players,when determining the status of player with respect to a particular gameor period of gambling activity, when determining which audio/videocontent to output to a player, and so on). Further, various statisticsmay be measured in association with a player (e.g., coin-in statistics,win/loss statistics, buy-in amount for a session) and similarlyaccessed.

Various systems for facilitating such monitoring are contemplated. Forexample, a two-wire system such as one offered by International GamingSystems (IGT) may be used. Similarly, a protocol such as the IGT SAS™protocol or the IGT SuperSAS™ protocol may be used. The SAS™ protocoland the SuperSAS™ protocol each allows for communication between gamingmachines and slot accounting systems and provides a secure method ofcommunicating all necessary data supplied by the gaming device to theonline monitoring system. One aspect of the SAS™ protocol and theSuperSAS™ protocol that may be beneficial in implementing aspects of thepresent invention is the authentication function which allows operatorsand regulators to remotely interrogate gaming devices for importantmemory verification information, for both game programs, and peripheraldevices. In another example, a one-wire system such as the OASIS™ Systemoffered by Aristocrat Technologies™ or the SDS slot-floor monitoringsystem offered by Bally Gaming and Systems™ may be used. Each of thesystems described above is an integrated information system thatcontinually monitors slot machines and customer gaming activity. Thus,for example, any one of these systems may be used to monitor a player'sgaming activity in order to determine player outcomes, buy-in amounts,coin-in statistics, win/loss statistics and/or any other data deemedrelevant.

In one embodiment, a player may operate a plurality of gaming devices.For example, a player may simultaneously play two side-by-side gamingdevices, a player may play one gaming device (e.g. a gaming device) andthen continue his gaming session at another gaming device (e.g. a videopoker machine), and a player may remotely operate a gaming device,possibly by using a telephone, PDA or other device (i) to transmitcommands (directly or indirectly) to the gaming device, such as wageramounts and commands to select certain cards; and/or (ii) to receiveoutput (directly or indirectly) from the gaming device.

In one embodiment, a gaming device may allow a player to play a game ofskill rather than a game of chance. Such an embodiment may be moreappealing to certain players or may be permitted in areas where it isillegal to gamble on games of chance. In one or more embodiments,aspects of the present invention, such as providing a payout if both (i)indicia corresponding to the payout is disposed along a payline of agaming device, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video contentassociated with the payout satisfies a requirement of providing thepayout, may be practiced by replacing and/or augmenting one or morecomponents (e.g., hardware and/or software components) of an existinggaming device. Thus, in one or more embodiments, the invention may beapplied as a retrofit or upgrade to existing gaming devices currentlyavailable for play within various casinos.

For example, a memory (e.g., computer chip) of the gaming device may bereplaced or added, the replacement or additional memory storing aprogram for instructing the processor of the gaming device to operate inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. Inanother example, data output via the gaming device (e.g., graphicaland/or textual data displayed on the gaming device) may be replaced oradded, the replacement or additional data indicating to a playerinformation relevant to one or more aspects of the present invention.

In a specific example, a gaming device may comprise various electroniccomponents mounted to one or more printed circuit boards (PCBs). Suchcomponents may include various hardware described herein, such as acommunications port and various controllers of peripheral devices (e.g.,a display controller), as well as a memory for storing programminginstructions (software) and a processor for carrying out suchinstructions. Forms of memory that may be found in a gaming deviceinclude electronically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM),erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM) and flash memory. Thus,in one or more embodiments of the present invention, an EPROM storingsoftware with instructions for carrying out aspects of the presentinvention (as well as instructions for carrying out other functionstraditionally performed by the gaming device) may replace an EPROMpreviously installed in a gaming device or may be reprogrammed inaccordance with one or more embodiments described herein, such that thegaming device may be configured to operate in accordance with variousprocesses described herein.

For example, a “payout based on a characteristic of audio/video contentin addition to game indicia” may be made available for purchase tovarious casino operators. The module, which may comprise varioushardware and software (e.g., an EEPROM storing software instructions),may be installed in an existing gaming device (e.g., a video-reel slotmachine, a video poker machine, etc.), such that when the module isinstalled, players of the device may elect (i) to play the gaming devicein a manner that does not incorporate embodiments described herein(e.g., be eligible for payouts based on a conventional payout table), or(ii) to play the gaming device in a manner that incorporates embodimentsdescribed herein (e.g., be eligible for payouts based on both (i)indicia disposed along a payline and (ii) a characteristic ofaudio/video content satisfying a requirement for receiving the payout).Thus, players who are familiar with operating a gaming device may electto pay for them in a different or similar manner as they are accustomedto.

Accordingly, a gaming device may be configured to allow a player toselect one of two “modes” of the gaming device, and to enable theselected mode. If a player selects a “standard” mode, the gaming devicemay be configured to operate in a manner similar to how it operatedbefore the installation of the module (e.g., the gaming device operatesin a conventional manner, such that embodiments described herein may notbe utilized). If a player selects “audio/video content payout” mode, thegaming device may then be operable to execute game play in accordancewith one or more embodiments described herein.

In one example of allowing a player to select one or more modes, atouch-sensitive display screen may be configured to output a promptasking a player to select a mode of operation. Such a prompt may beoutput in occurrence to various trigger conditions (e.g., coins, billsor tickets are inserted; a credit balance increases from zero to someother number; a player presses a “play” button; a motion, weight,infrared or other sensor detects the presence of a player; etc.).Accordingly, a player may select a mode of operation (e.g., by pressingan appropriately labeled icon of a touch-sensitive display screen), andupon receiving the player's selection, the gaming device may beconfigured to operate in the selected mode.

In other embodiments, as described, a peripheral device may be usefulfor implementing one or more embodiments of the present invention intothe operation of a conventional gaming device. For example, in order toavoid or minimize the necessity of modifying or replacing a programalready stored in a memory of a conventional gaming device, an externalor internal module that comprises a peripheral device may be insertedin, connected to or otherwise associated with the gaming device.

In still further embodiments, rather than configure existing gamingdevices to execute embodiments described herein by installing orconnecting new hardware and/or software, software may be downloaded intoan existing memory of one or more gaming devices. U.S. Pat. No.6,805,634 to Wells et al. teaches methods for downloading data to gamingdevices in such a manner. The entirety of U.S. Pat. No. 6,805,634 isincorporated by reference herein for all purposes. Thus, in someembodiments, an existing gaming device may be reprogrammed toaccommodate new functionality of the present invention without the need,or by minimizing the need, to remove and replace hardware within thegaming device.

Referring now to FIG. 4, illustrated therein is an embodiment 400 of aplan view of an example gaming device 130A or a gaming device 130B,which gaming device comprises a three reeled slot machine. Embodiment400 is referred to as slot machine 400 herein.

The slot machine 400 comprises a primary display area 405 in whichindicia comprising an outcome for a game play may be displayed to aplayer. The primary display area 405 may, for example, be a videodisplay that displays simulations of reels. The primary display area 405may, in another example, be glass behind which are located mechanicalreels. Primary display area 405 is an exemplary embodiment of thedisplay device 355, described with respect to FIG. 3.

Within primary display area 405 is a payline 415. In accordance withsome embodiments of the present invention, an outcome of a game play isa set of symbols displayed disposed along a payline of a reeled slotmachine. Slot machine 400 exemplifies such embodiments.

Slot machine 400 further comprises a handle 420. A player may initiatethe movement of the reels in primary display area 405 by pulling on thehandle 420. Alternatively, a player may initiate the movement of thereels in primary display area 405 by actuating the start button 425.Either or both of handle 420 and start button 425 are exemplaryembodiments of an input device 365, described with respect to FIG. 3.

Slot machine 400 also comprises a player tracking device 430, which isan example of a player tracking device 360 that was described withrespect to FIG. 3. The player tracking device 430 may comprise a playertracking card reader and a display (e.g., an LED display) for outputtinginformation related to the player identifier (e.g., player's name andnumber of comp points associated with player's account) of a playertracking card inserted into the player tracking device 430.

Also a component of slot machine 400 is a secondary display area 435,for outputting information to a player. The secondary display area 435may be utilized, for example, to output audio/video content to a playerand/or to inform a player that he has qualified to receive a payout(e.g., by obtaining indicia disposed along the payline 415 thatcorrespond to the payout and because a characteristic of the audio/videocontent output at the time the indicia is disposed along the paylinesatisfies a requirement associated with the indicia and/or the payout).

The slot machine 400 may include another display area (not shown) fordisplaying a payout schedule of the slot machine 400. The payoutschedule may display, for example, payouts that correspond to variousoutcomes obtainable on the slot machine 400 and/or one or morerequirements (e.g., characteristic(s) of audio/video content) associatedwith a payout on the schedule. In one or more embodiments, a payout maybe provided to a player by being added in the form of credits to thecredit meter balance 460 if (i) indicia is disposed along payline 415that, as indicated in a payout schedule, corresponds to the payout, and(ii) the audio/video content being output via secondary display area 435at substantially the time the indicia is disposed along the paylinesatisfies the requirement associated with the payout. The table 500,described below with reference to FIG. 5, illustrates data that may bepresented in such a payout schedule.

It should be noted that, in one or more embodiments, primary displayarea 405 and secondary display area 435 (as well as a payout scheduledisplay area) may comprise a single display device that can be or issplit into multiple screens, portions, areas or windows (e.g., whereinmore than one such screen, portion, area or window is displayedsimultaneously).

In one embodiment, slot machine 400 or another gaming device operable tocarry out one or more embodiments described herein, may be operable tooutput a menu of available options or features to a player via a playerinterface. A player interface may comprise, for example, a video screenthat is a touch screen operable to display such one or more such menus.A menu so displayed to a player may provide the player with, forexample, a choice of whether to play the gaming device in a conventionalmanner or in a manner consistent with one or more embodiments describedherein. In another example, a menu so displayed to a player may providethe player with available television shows and/or episodes of televisionshows. A player may be presented with a menu of options via a touchscreen, for example, upon indicating a desire to consider optionsavailable via such a menu and/or upon initiating play at the slotmachine 400. A player may select an option from such a menu by touchingthe area of the screen on which the package appears.

It should be appreciated that one or more embodiments may includestoring graphic and/or sound elements that are used to construct themenu of available options. These elements may be store, for example, inEEPROM, flash memory, hard disk, CD ROM, or in any other suitablestorage device. The menu may be displayed via any suitable displaydevice, such as a CRT, LCD, VFC, LED display. In one embodiment, themenu may be implemented using only dedicated electromechanical switches.In one embodiment, a player operates an input device of the slot machine400 to cause the menu to be displayed. In one embodiment, a gamingdevice includes a touch screen and a touch screen controller (not shown)associated with a video monitor display device. The touch screen andtouch screen controller may be operable to communicate with a videocontroller of the video monitor display device and a processor (e.g., aprocessor of gaming device 400). Thus, a player may be enabled toindicate decisions (e.g., which episode of a television show the playerdesires to view) by touching the touch screen in the appropriate places.

In one embodiment, display of the menu preempts display of otherinformation. For example, in one embodiment the same display device orscreen used to display indicia indicative of an outcome by displayingthe indicia as disposed along a payline during active game play may beused to display a menu of available options to a player upon anindication of a player to view the menu. In another embodiment, adedicated display device or screen may be used to display a menu ofavailable options on a continuous, periodic, or other basis.

Payment system 440, an exemplary embodiment of payment system 375 ofFIG. 3, comprises a bill acceptor, a credit, debit and/or smart cardreader, and a coin or token acceptor. A player may utilize paymentsystem 440 to provide, for example, a wager for one or more game plays.

Slot machine 400 further comprises a credit meter balance 460, which isan exemplary embodiment of a benefit output device 350 that wasdescribed with respect to FIG. 3. The credit meter balance reflects theamount of electronic credits currently available to a player forwagering and/or cash-out. The electronic credits may be used by aplayer, for example, as wagers for game plays of the gaming device. Theelectronic credits may also be “cashed out” as coins, bills, tokens, acashless gaming receipt, and/or credits to another financial accountassociated with the player.

Finally, the slot machine 400 comprises a coin tray 470. Payment to theplayer may be rendered by dispensing coins into the coin tray 470. Suchcoins may be dispensed based on, for example, a player's indication thatthe player would like to cash out his credit meter balance and/or apayout obtained by a player as a result of playing a game on the slotmachine 400. The coin tray 470 is an exemplary embodiment of the benefitoutput device 350, described with respect to FIG. 3. Note that slotmachine 400 may include different and/or additional components besidesthose illustrated in FIG. 4.

Databases

Referring now to FIG. 5, illustrated therein is a tabular representation500 of an example embodiment of a payout requirement(s) database 225.Tabular representation 500 is referred to herein as payoutrequirement(s) database 500. The payout requirement(s) database 500 maybe utilized by a device (e.g., a computer 110A, computer 110B, aperipheral device 140B, a peripheral device server 145B, a gaming device130A, and/or a gaming device 130B) to store and/or access informationabout outcomes available on a gaming device and the requirement(s) forproviding a payout associated with a respective outcome. The data in thepayout requirement(s) database may be input by, for example, a casinoemployee, an employee of a game designer, and/or an employee of a gamingdevice manufacturer. The data may be updated by one or more of theseentities as well.

For example, upon determining indicia to dispose along a payline for agame play of a gaming device (e.g., by determining a random number anddetermining that the indicia corresponds to the random number), a devicemay access the payout requirement(s) database 500 to determine the oneor more requirements to be satisfied before the payout corresponding tothe indicia may be provided to a player. A requirement may comprise, forexample, a characteristic that audio/video content being output via thegaming device, at substantially the time the indicia is disposed alongthe payline, must possess.

The payout requirement(s) database 500 includes a number of examplerecords or entries, including records R600-1 through R600-7, eachdefining an outcome that may be obtained on a gaming device. Thoseskilled in the art will understand that the payout requirement(s)database 500 may include any number of entries. The payoutrequirement(s) database 500 also defines fields for each of the entriesor records. The fields specify: (i) indicia 602 that specifies theindicia comprising an outcome, (ii) associated characteristic(s) 604that specifies one or more characteristics of audio/video content thatcorresponds to the outcome, (iii) a payout 606 that specifies a payoutcorresponding to the outcome, (iv) a payout requirement 608 thatspecifies one or more requirements associated with the characteristic,which requirements have to be satisfied in order for the correspondingpayout to be provided, and (v) a feature 610 that specifies a feature ofa gaming device to which the outcome is applicable. A variety of featuretypes may be stored in field 610 to indicate a gaming device feature(e.g., audio/video programming, a secondary video poker game, asecondary slot machine game) that may be used to determine whether apayout requirement is satisfied. In one embodiment, a payoutrequirement(s) database may not store an indication of a payoutcorresponding to an outcome. This information may be stored in aseparate database, such as a payout database as described below withrespect to FIG. 8 and with respect to FIG. 9. Thus, a device may accessthe payout database to determine a payout that corresponds to indicia tobe disposed along a payline and may access the payout requirement(s)database to determine the requirement(s) to be satisfied in order for apayout to be provided to a player. Storing the payout data separatelyfrom the payout requirement(s) data may allow, for example, the payoutrequirement(s) data to be applicable to a plurality of games and/orgaming devices even if the games and/or gaming devices utilize differentpayout tables. Thus, for example, the same outcome obtained on a firstgaming device may result in a first payout being provided if arequirement corresponding to the outcome is satisfied but the sameoutcome obtained on a second gaming device may result in a second payoutbeing provided if the same requirement is satisfied. It should be notedthat, in some embodiments, different players may be provided withdifferent payouts for obtaining the same outcome in circumstances inwhich the same audio/video content satisfies the same requirement. Theplayers may be provided different payouts based on, for example, astatus associated with the players (e.g., one player is considered apremium player and the other is not), gambling history associated withthe players, and/or current gaming activity associated with the players.

To illustrate a usage of one record of the payout requirement(s)database 500, assume an outcome of “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel” is determinedas the indicia to be disposed along a payline for a game play. Such anoutcome may be determined, for example, by determining a random numberand further determining that the indicia “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel”correspond to the random number in a probability database (i.e., a tablecorrelating random numbers and/or ranges of random numbers to outcomesor indicia). Upon determining that the indicia “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel” isto be disposed along a payline for a game play, a device may access thepayout requirement(s) database to determine the payout corresponding tothe indicia and the one or more requirements for providing the payout.As can be seen from the example record R600-2, a payout of “30”corresponds to the indicia and the payout is to be provided if, atsubstantially the time the indicia “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel” is disposedalong a payline, audio/video content being output via a display area ofthe gaming device displays the character “Rachel” as appearing onscreen.

Referring now to FIG. 6A, illustrated therein is a tabularrepresentation 600 of an example audio/video content characteristic(s)database 230. Tabular representation 600 is referred to herein asaudio/video content characteristic(s) database 600. The audio/videocharacteristic(s) database 600 may be utilized, for example, todetermine a characteristic of a specific portion of audio/video contentcurrently being output via a gaming device.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 600 may include any number of entries,including entries R600-1 through R600-n. The audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 600 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields may specify: (i) an audio/video contentidentifier 602 that (e.g., uniquely) identifies the audio/video contentthat is the subject of the record; (ii) an elapsed time 604 thatindiciates an amount of time or period of time from a beginning point ofthe audio/video content (which may be the point at which the audio/videocontent begins to be output), thereby identifying a specific portion ofthe audio/video content; (iii) character(s) 606 that stores anindication of relevant character(s) appearing and/or speaking during thecorresponding specific portion; (iv) objects/props 608 that stores anindication of relevant objects and/or props that appear during thecorresponding specific portion; (v) actions 610 that stores anindication of one or more relevant actions that occur during thecorresponding specific portion; and (vi) words/lines 612 that stores anindication of one or more relevant words, phrases, terms or lines thatone or more characters utters during the corresponding specific portion.It should be noted that “relevant” may mean relevant to determiningwhether a requirement of an outcome has been satisfied. In accordancewith one embodiment, fields 606 through 612 may be considered to storeindications of characteristics posses by specific portions ofaudio/video content. For example, record R600-3 indicates that in theportion of the audio/video content identified as “Buddies-99-42103”which begins 47 seconds after the beginning time of the content and endsone minute and six seconds after the beginning time of the content, (i)the characters “Rachel”, “Ross” and “Monica” appear, (ii) a lamp and acouch appear, (iii) a kiss occurs, and the words “God”, “totally” and“never” are spoken. Of course, it should be appreciated that types ofcharacteristics other than characters, objects/props, actions and/orwords may be utilized in a similar manner (e.g., colors, volume levels,graphics or icons, and so on).

The data stored in audio/video content characteristic(s) database 600may be added to the database in a variety of manners. In one example, aperson (e.g., an employee of a casino, an employee of a gaming devicemanufacturer and/or an employee of a game designer) may view the videoand enter the information into the database based on what he perceiveswhile viewing the video. In another example, a device (e.g., a computingdevice) may analyze the video and store the data in the database basedon the analysis. For example, a tool such as the TED™ (TranscriptionEditor) system, which is a PC-based video transcription system, may beused to analyze the audio/video content. The TED™ system creates texttranscription files with references to video time code. In anotherexample, a tool such as MediaTagger™ system, which is a Mac-based videotranscription system, may be used to analyze the audio/video content.The MediaTagger™ system is a system that creates multimedia documentsthat closely links transcription text to digital audio and digitalvideo. Technology such as the temporal prediction techniques used inMPEG and MPEG-4 video analysis, which is based on motion estimation, mayalso be used to analyze audio/video content to determinecharacteristic(s) of the content. A description of such video analysismay be found in the article entitled “Requirements for motion-estimationsearch range in MPEG-2 coded video” by C. A. Gonzalez, H. Yeo and C. J.Kuo, published in the IBM Journal of Research and Development, Volume43, Number 4, 1999. The entirety of this article is incorporated byreference herein for all purposes. Other manners of analyzingaudio/video content to determine relevant characteristic(s) of thecontent would be recognized by one of ordinary skill in the art uponreading the present disclosure.

Referring now to FIG. 6B, illustrated therein is a tabularrepresentation 650 of one example embodiment of an audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 230. Tabular representation 650 is referredto herein as audio/video content characteristic(s) database 650.Audio/video content characteristic(s) database may be utilized, forexample, in which a video clip is output along with indicia, as anindication of a result of a game play and an indication of whether apayout is to be provided for the game play. In a more specific example,audio/video content characteristic(s) database 650 may be utilized toselect a video clip for output, wherein the selection is performed onbehalf of a player (e.g., by a gaming device 130A or computer 110A) suchthat the video clip satisfies a requirement associated with an outcomefor a current game play. Of course, other uses of the audio/videocontent characteristic(s) database 650 are contemplated. For example,the audio/video content characteristic(s) database 650 may be utilizedto determine a characteristic of a video clip already being output orselected for output based on a factor other than to satisfy arequirement of an outcome, wherein the video clip was selected by aplayer or randomly on behalf of a player.

For example, in some embodiments audio/video content will begin to beoutput prior to a particular game play and the audio/video content (orthe portion thereof that is being output or is to be output assubstantially a time at which indicia for a game play are disposed alonga payline) may be analyzed to determine whether it satisfies arequirement associated with the indicia. For example, in someembodiments audio/video content may be output such that it spansmultiple game plays. In such embodiments, the audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 600 may be utilized. However, in otherembodiments a specific video clip may be output for a particular gameplay, such that the video clip spans only the single game play for whichit is output. In such embodiments, the video content characteristic(s)database 650 may be utilized.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 650 may include any number of entries,including entries R650-1 through R650-n. The audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 650 also defines fields for each of theentries or records. The fields may specify: (i) a video clip identifier652 that (e.g., uniquely) identifies the video clip that is the subjectof the record; (ii) character(s) 654 that stores an indication ofrelevant character(s) appearing and/or speaking during the correspondingvideo clip; (iii) objects/props 656 that stores an indication ofrelevant objects and/or props that appear during the corresponding videoclip; (iv) actions 658 that stores an indication of one or more relevantactions that occur during the corresponding video clip; and (v)words/lines 660 that stores an indication of one or more relevant words,phrases, terms or lines that one or more characters utters during thecorresponding video clip. It should be noted that “relevant” may meanrelevant to determining whether a requirement of an outcome has beensatisfied. In accordance with one embodiment, fields 654 through 660 maybe considered to store indications of characteristics possessed byspecific video clips. For example, record R650-3 indicates that in thevideo clip identified as “C-00003” (i) the characters “Rachel”, “Ross”and “Monica” appear, (ii) a lamp and a couch appear, (iii) a kissoccurs, and the words “God”, “totally” and “never” are spoken. It shouldbe noted that data may be entered into the audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database via any of the manners described with respectto FIG. 6A.

Referring now to FIG. 7, illustrated therein is a tabular representation700 of an example embodiment of a prior art probability database 325.Tabular representation 700 is referred to herein as probability database700. The probability database 700 may be utilized by a device (e.g., acomputer 110A, computer 110B, a peripheral device 140B, a peripheraldevice server 145B, a gaming device 130A, and/or a gaming device 130B)to store and/or access information about outcomes available on a gamingdevice and the random number(s) corresponding to such outcomes. Forexample, upon determining a random number, a device may accessprobability database 700 to determine the outcome that corresponds tothe random number.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the probability database700 may include any number of entries. The probability database 700 alsodefines fields for each of the entries or records. The fields mayspecify: (i) a random number 702 (or range of random numbers) that maybe generated by a random number generator; and (ii) an outcome 704 thatindicates the one or more indicia comprising the outcome thatcorresponds to the random number of a particular record.

Referring now to FIG. 8, illustrated therein is a tabular representation800 of an example embodiment of a prior art payout database 330. Tabularrepresentation 800 is referred to herein as payout database 800. Thepayout database 800 may be utilized by a device (e.g., a computer 110A,computer 110B, a peripheral device 140B, a peripheral device server145B, a gaming device 130A, and/or a gaming device 130B) to store and/oraccess information about payouts to provide for outcomes obtained on agaming device. For example, upon determining an outcome for a game play,a device may access payout database 800 to determine the payout thatcorresponds to the outcome.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the payout database 800may include any number of entries. The payout database may also definefields for each of the entries or records. The fields may specify: (i)an outcome 802 that indicates the one or more indicia comprising theoutcome, and (ii) the payout 804 that corresponds to the outcome. Itshould be noted that the outcomes in field 804 may correspond to theoutcomes in field 702 of probability database 700. Thus, for example,upon determining an outcome that corresponds to a random number inprobability database 700, a device may look up the outcome in payoutdatabase 800. In one embodiment, upon determining the payout thatcorresponds to an outcome in payout database 800, a payoutrequirement(s) database or other data may be accessed to determine arequirement to be satisfied in order for the payout to be provided. Inother words, embodiments of the present invention differ fromconventional payout determinations in which the payout stored in apayout database 800 would then be automatically provided to a player. Incontrast, in embodiments of the present invention, even though a payoutcorresponds to an outcome determined for a game play, the payout is notprovided to a player unless and until a requirement associated with theoutcome and/or the payout is satisfied. Such a requirement may specify,for example, a characteristic that audio/video content associated withthe payout must posses at substantially the time that the outcome isdisposed along a payline.

Other arrangements of probability databases and payout databases arepossible. For example, the book “Winning At Slot Machines” by Jim Regan(Carol Publishing Group Edition, 1997) illustrates examples of payoutand probability tables and how they may be derived. The entirety of thisbook is incorporated by reference herein for all purposes.

Referring now to FIG. 9, illustrated therein is a tabular representation900 of an embodiment of a payout database in accordance with embodimentsof the present invention. The tabular representation 900 is referred toherein as payout database 900. Payout database 900 may be utilized by adevice, for example, to determine which payout of a plurality of payoutsto provide for a game play based on whether a requirement associatedwith the outcome and/or payout has been satisfied. As described herein,in one embodiment, a payout is provided only if a requirement (e.g., arequirement that specifies a characteristic that audio/video contentmust possess substantially at the time the outcome is disposed along apayline) is satisfied, the requirement being a requirement in additionto the indicia representing the outcome being disposed along a paylineas a result of a game play. In another embodiment, a first payout may beprovided if the requirement is satisfied but a second, smaller payoutmay be provided if the requirement is not satisfied. Generally, in oneembodiment a payout of a relatively greater value is provided if arequirement associated with the outcome corresponding to the payout issatisfied and a payout of a relatively smaller value is provided if arequirement associated with the outcome is not satisfied. However, insome embodiments, it may be arranged such that the reverse is true(e.g., higher payouts are awarded if a requirement associated with theoutcome is not satisfied).

Those skilled in the art will understand that the payout database 900may include any number of entries, including records R900-1 throughR900-4. The payout database 900 may also define fields for each of theentries or records. The fields may specify: (i) an outcome 902 thatindicates the one or more indicia comprising the outcome, (ii) a payout904 to be provided if a requirement associated with the outcome issatisfied, and (iii) a payout 906 to be provided if the requirement(s)associated with the outcome is not satisfied.

As can be seen from the example entry R900-1 and entry R900-4, it iscontemplated that a payout of a value greater than zero (e.g., zerocredits) may be provided only if a requirement associated with theoutcome is satisfied. In one embodiment, all outcomes correspond topayouts greater than zero only if a requirement associated with eachrespective outcome is satisfied. In other embodiments, some outcomes maycorrespond to two or more payouts, each payout being greater than zero.

As can be seen from example entry R900-2 and R900-3, in some embodimentsa first, relatively larger, valuable or more favorable payout may beprovided for an outcome if a requirement is satisfied while a secondrelatively smaller, less valuable or less favorable payout may beprovided if the requirement is not satisfied. In some embodiments, thepayout of greater value that is provided if a requirement is satisfiedmay be thought of as a bonus that is added to a payout of a lesser valuethat is provided if the requirement is not satisfied.

As can be seen from example entry R900-3 and R900-4, a payout maycomprise a benefit other than credits or currency. Various benefits,including free game plays, promotional or non-cashable credits,complimentary points, merchandise, services, player-advantageousprobability alterations (e.g., increased likelihood of attaining one ormore winning game results), and so on, are contemplated.

In one embodiment, a player may be required to provide a payment inorder to be eligible to receive payouts based on whether a requirementassociated with the outcome (the requirement being above and beyond arequirement that the indicia comprising the outcome be disposed along apayline as a result of a game play). Thus, for example, the player mayonly be eligible for the payouts of field 904 (and a determination ofwhether a requirement associated with the outcome is satisfied may noteven be performed) if the player provides an appropriate payment.

Referring now to FIG. 10, illustrated therein is tabular representation1000 of an example embodiment of a probability database 325. Tabularrepresentation 1000 is referred to herein as probability database 1000.In some embodiments, a game outcome may be determined in an alternatemanner. For example, a gaming device may generate a random number, and apayout amount may be associated directly with a random number or rangeof random numbers. Thus, a device (e.g., a gaming device and/or acontroller of a gaming device) may first randomly determine a payoutamount. A gaming device may then determine a game outcome in accordancewith (i) an elapsed time from an initiation of output of audio/videocontent being output via the gaming device, (ii) a payout table, and/or(iii) an upcoming scene, chapter, section or other portion ofaudio/video programming.

For example, a gaming device may determine a random number, anddetermine (e.g., using a probability database such as probabilitydatabase 1000) that a payout of 10 coins corresponds to the randomnumber. A gaming device may then determine one or more game outcomeswhich (e.g., in combination) may result in the payout of 10 coins beingprovided to a player (e.g., “Lamp-Lamp-Lamp” or “Monica-Monica-Monica”pay 10 coins each). A gaming device or other device may perform such adetermination by, for example, accessing audio/video contentcharacteristics data (e.g., in an audio/video characteristic(s) databaseand/or a payout requirement(s) database) to determine if any character,prop, action, etc. is scheduled to appear (e.g., within the next 10seconds) within the audio/video content such that a requirement of theone or more outcomes may be satisfied and the appropriate payout may beprovided. Thus, if it is determined that Monica will appear in the next10 seconds of a video that comprises audio/video content being outputvia a gaming device, an outcome of “Monica-Monica-Monica” may beselected from a list of available outcomes and the outcome“Monica-Monica-Monica” may be disposed along a payline within the nextten seconds, to coincide with the appearance of the character “Monica”on the video. A process similar to that just described is described inmore detail below with reference to FIG. 14.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the probability database1000 may include any number of entries. The probability database 1000may also define fields for each of the entries or records. The fieldsmay specify: (i) a random number 1002 (or range of random numbers); and(ii) a payout that corresponds to the random number or range of randomnumbers. Thus, as described, a random number may be determined and acorresponding payout determined from the probability database 1000. Itmay then be determined, based on the audio/video content being output oron the audio/video content available for output, in conjunction with theoutcomes available for disposal along a payline and any requirement(s)associated therewith, which outcome should be selected for the currentgame play.

Referring now to FIG. 11, illustrated therein is a tabularrepresentation 1100 of an available audio/video content database 335.Tabular representation 1100 is referred to herein available audio/videocontent database 1100. Available audio/video content database 1100 maybe accessed, for example, to select audio/video content for outputand/or to select an indication of audio/video content for output on amenu presented to a player.

Those skilled in the art will understand that the available audio/videocontent database 1100 may include any number of records or entries,including records R1100-1 through R1100-n. The available audio/videocontent database 1100 may also define fields for each of the entries orrecords. The fields may specify: (i) an audio/video content identifier1102 that (e.g., uniquely) identifies audio/video content, and (ii) anaudio/video content file 1104 that stores one or more files of theaudio/video content. Although the files illustrated are in formats forvideo content, it should be understood that in some embodiments audiofiles and/or still image files may be stored, as desired andappropriate. It should further be understood that in some embodiments,rather than storing the files themselves, the available audio/videocontent database 1100 may store a file path or other indication of thefiles.

In one embodiment, available audio/video content database 1100 may storeadditional information, such as a text description of each audio/videocontent stored therein and/or one or more graphics associated with eachaudio/video content (e.g., a still image from the content that isrepresentative of the content). Such data may be useful, for example,for output to a player.

Processes

The processes described below with reference to FIG. 12, FIG. 13 andFIG. 14 are only examples of some processes that may be useful inimplementing one or more embodiments described herein and are notcomprehensive of processes or subroutines that may be executed inaccordance with the embodiments described herein. Further, the steps ofeach of the described processes may be performed in any order, and thusare not limited to the order in which they are described. Further still,any and all of the processes described herein may be performed by anysingle device and/or any combination of any of the devices describedherein.

Referring now to FIG. 12, illustrated therein is a flowchart of anexample process 1200 that may be performed in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present invention. The process 1200 may beperformed, for example, to determine whether a payout is to be providedfor a game play.

In Step 1205, a first payout for a game play is determined. For example,in one embodiment a random number may be determined, an outcome may bedetermined based on the random number (e.g., by accessing a probabilitydatabase such as that described with respect to FIG. 7), and then apayout corresponding to the outcome (e.g., by accessing a payoutdatabase such as that described with respect to FIG. 8) may bedetermined. In another embodiment, step 1205 may comprise determining arandom number and determining a payout directly corresponding to therandom number (e.g., by accessing a probability database such as thatdescribed with respect to FIG. 10).

In Step 1210, it is determined whether indicia indicative of the firstpayout is disposed along a payline of a gaming device. For example, insome embodiments, a payout may be provided only upon both of twoconditions being satisfied. The first condition may be that indiciaindicative of an outcome corresponding to the payout be disposed along apayline of a gaming device. The second condition may be that audio/videocontent associated with the game play for which the payout is determinedexhibit or possess a characteristic that satisfies a requirementassociated with the payout and/or outcome. Such a process should becontrasted with a conventional process for providing a payout, in whichonly the first condition need be satisfied. It should be noted thatsince in at least some embodiments an additional condition need besatisfied in order for a payout to be provided, a gaming device may beconfigured such that larger payouts may be provided because the chancesof both conditions being satisfied may be lesser in some circumstancesthan a chance of only one of the conditions being satisfied.

If it is determined, in Step 1210, that indicia indicative of the firstpayout is disposed along a payline, it is further determined (in Step1220) whether a characteristic of audio/video content associated withthe game play for which the first payout is determined satisfies arequirement associated with the first payout and/or indicia indicativeof the outcome. Otherwise, the process 1200 continues to Step 1215, inwhich a decision is made not to provide the first payout. As described,in some embodiments a second payout of a value that is less than a valueof the first payout may be provided if only the first condition (of Step1205) is determined to be satisfied. As described, determining whetherthe requirement is satisfied may comprise, for example, analyzing theaudio/video content being output. In another example, determiningwhether the requirement is satisfied may comprise determining anidentifier of the audio/video content being output, determining aduration of time from a beginning time at which the audio/video contentwas output, and accessing a database of previously storedcharacteristics of the audio/video content.

If it is determined that the requirement is satisfied by acharacteristic of the audio/video content, the process continues to step1225 and the first payout is provided. Provision of a payout may beaccomplished in any of the manners of providing a payout or otherbenefit described herein. For example, an appropriate number of creditsmay be added to a credit meter balance of the gaming device, anappropriate number of coins may be released from a coin hopper of thegaming device, etc.

In one embodiment, process 1200 may further include a step of outputtingthe audio/video content. For example, a gaming device may be configuredto output audio/video content. For example, audio/video content may beoutput by a combination of output devices (e.g., a secondary displayscreen depicts a movie while audio speakers output the film's sounds,etc.). Audio/video content may be stored in a variety of formats (e.g.,a file such as an MPEG or MOV file is stored in memory, on physicalmedia such as a DVD, etc.), as well as in a variety of locations (e.g.,within a gaming device, computer 110A or computer 110B, within a serverused by a casino-maintained hotel, etc.), such that stored audio/videocontent may be accessible to a computer 110A, computer 110B and/or agaming device. A variety of types of audio/video content arecontemplated. Exemplary types of audio/video content include movies,television programs, sporting events (live or prerecorded), animatedfeatures (e.g., cartoons), live broadcasts, radio or other audioprograms, prerecorded music such as songs (e.g., audio files storedlocally at a gaming device and/or at a central server), and so on.

In some embodiments, a player may select audio/video content that is tobe output. For example, a database may indicate a number of availableepisodes of a plurality of television programs. A gaming device (orother device) may then use the data to output a list or menu ofavailable content to a player via an output device (e.g., a displayscreen depicts a menu of 10 television shows from which a player mayselect one). A player may then select audio/video content by actuatingan input device (e.g., pressing a physical button, touching a graphicdepicted by a touch-sensitive display screen, etc.). In otherembodiments, audio/video content may be selected randomly (e.g., withoutplayer input) or based on another factor and on behalf of a player.

In some embodiments, a player may be required to provide a payment orother consideration for the output of audio/video content (e.g., anepisode of a television game show is priced at $10). In otherembodiments, no payment or consideration may be required. In someembodiments, audio/video content may only be output so long as apredefined rate of play is maintained (e.g., the player must spin thereels of a slot machine at least once every minute). Apparatus andmethods which, among other things, permit and enable various ways ofproviding benefits to gaming device players who maintain a particularrate of play, and which are appropriate for use in accordance with thepresent invention are disclosed in pending U.S. Pat. No. 6,238,288,filed Dec. 31, 1997, entitled “METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DIRECTING A GAMEIN ACCORDANCE WITH SPEED OF PLAY,” the entirety of which is incorporatedherein by reference for all purposes.

As described, in some embodiments audio/video content may be output byone or more output devices and the audio/video content may be outputover a span of time that encompasses a plurality of game plays. In someembodiments, a timer may be actuated upon the output of audio/videocontent so as to track an “elapsed time” (e.g., the time in minutes andseconds since a particular audio/video content or file began).

Referring now to FIG. 13, illustrated therein is a flowchart of anexample process 1300 in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. The process 1300 may be useful, for example, inembodiments in which a payout is determined based on a random number,and indicia for output is selected based on the payout and on acharacteristic of audio/video content expected to be output atsubstantially the time the indicia is disposed along a payline, suchthat the payout will be provided.

In Step 1305, a random number is determined. A random number may bedetermined, for example, by determining a random number being generatedby a random number generator at substantially the time a game play isinitiated. In another example, a random number may be determined byaccessing a set of available random numbers that have been previouslygenerated.

In Step 1310, a payout is determined based on the random number. Forexample, a probability database such as that described with respect toFIG. 10 may be accessed, and the payout corresponding to the randomnumber may be identified.

In Step 1315, an indicia output time is determined. In accordance withone embodiment, an indicia output time may comprise a time at whichindicia indicative of an outcome for the game play is expected to bedisposed along a payline of a gaming device. For example, assuming theindicia is indicia for a game of a reel slot machine, a length of timefor a spinning of the reels may be determined (e.g., it may bedetermined that the reels are to spin for 3 seconds before coming to astop and revealing the indicia disposed along a payline), the time atwhich the reels are to begin spinning may be determined (which may be acurrent time or a time that has already occurred), and thus the time atwhich the reels are to stop spinning may be determined, therebydetermining the indicia output time.

In Step 1320, one or more characteristics of audio/video content atsubstantially the time of the indicia output time is determined. Forexample, assuming the audio/video content comprises at least a videoportion, Step 1320 may comprise determining which character(s) and/orprops are to be depicted on the secondary display area at substantiallythe indicia output time. In a more particular example, Step 320 maycomprise determining which character(s) and/or props are to be depictedon the secondary display area within two seconds of the indicia outputtime.

As described, determining one or more characteristics of audio/videocontent at substantially the time of the indicia output time may beperformed in a variety of manners. In example of Step 1320, in oneembodiment in which audio/video content began to be output prior to thetime of this determination, Step 1320 may comprise determining theindicia output time, determining a beginning time at which theaudio/video content began to be output, and thus determining an elapsedtime of the audio/video content at the indicia output time. A databasesuch as the audio/video content characteristics database 600 (FIG. 6)may then be accessed to determine a characteristic of the portion of theaudio/video content expected to be output at the indicia output time. Inanother embodiment in which audio/video content began to be output priorto the time of this determination, Step 1320 may comprise analyzing theportion of the audio/video content expected to be output at the indiciaoutput time. For example, a processor of a device (e.g., a gamingdevice, computer 110A or computer 110B) may “fast-forward” theaudio/video content to the portion expected to be output at the indiciaoutput time (without fast-forwarding the audio/video content as it isbeing output to a player, such that the fast-forward version is notperceived by the player) in order to analyze the portion. In anotherexample of Step 1320, in an embodiment in which a video clip that isoutput only for a single game play (i.e., the video clip does not span aduration of time that encompasses more than one game play), Step 1320may comprise determining the identifier of the video clip for thecurrent game play and accessing a database of previously storedcharacteristics of the video clip, such as audio/video contentcharacteristic(s) database 650 (FIG. 6B).

In step 1325, indicia is selected for the current game play, wherein theindicia is selected such that a requirement associated with the indiciaand/or the payout determined in Step 1310 is satisfied by thecharacteristic(s) determined in Step 1320. For example, a database suchas the payout requirements database 500 (FIG. 5) may be accessed and anoutcome selected that has an associated payout requirement 508 thatsatisfies the characteristic(s) determined in Step 1320. For example,assuming that the first payout determined in Step 1305 is a payout of“30” and further assuming that the characteristic determined in Step1320 is that the character of “Rachel” will appear on screen during theindicia output time, Step 1325 may result in an outcome of“Rachel-Rachel-Rachel” may be selected, since record R500-2 indicatesthat this characteristic will satisfy the requirement associated withthis outcome and result in a payout of “30” being provided to a playerassociated with a game play.

In some embodiments, a payout database such as that depicted in FIG. 9may further store one or more requirement(s) associated with a payout,such that Step 1325 may comprise accessing the data in such a databaseto determine a requirement associated with various outcomes and theassociated payouts.

In Step 1330, the selected indicia are caused to be disposed along apayline of a gaming device, at the indicia output time determined inStep 1315. For example, the reels of a slot machine may be activated atthe appropriate time and/or caused to be stopped at the appropriate timesuch that the indicia selected in Step 1325 is disposed along thepayline at the indicia output time.

In Step 1335, the payout determined in Step 1310 is provided. Asdescribed with respect to Step 1225, a payout may be provided in any ofthe variety of manners described herein.

As with process 1200, in some embodiments the process 1300 may include astep of outputting audio/video content. This may be performed in any ofthe manners described with respect to process 1200.

Referring now to FIG. 14, illustrated therein is a flowchart of anexample process 1400, in accordance with one or more embodimentsdescribed herein. Process 1400 may be utilized, for example, in anembodiment in which an outcome is determined and it is furtherdetermined whether a payout associated with the outcome should beprovided, based on whether audio/video content associated with the gameplay for which the outcome was determined satisfies a requirementassociated with the payout and/or the outcome.

In Step 1405 a random number is determined. A random number may bedetermined, for example, by determining a random number being generatedby a random number generator at substantially the time a game play isinitiated. In another example, a random number may be determined byaccessing a set of available random numbers that have been previouslygenerated.

In Step 1410 indicia for a game play is determined based on the randomnumber. For example, a probability database such as that described withrespect to FIG. 7 may be accessed, and the indicia comprising an outcomecorresponding to the random number may be identified.

In some embodiments, a gaming device comprises a game, such as a slotmachine game (e.g., wherein a player places a wager, a number of reelsare spun, and an outcome is determined), a video poker game (e.g.,wherein a player places a wager, a hand is dealt, and an outcome isdetermined), a video keno game (e.g., wherein a player places a wagerand selects a plurality of numbers, a drawing occurs, and the selectednumbers are compared the drawn numbers), and so on. In some embodiments,such games may be played while audio/video content is output (e.g., aprimary or lower display screen is dedicated to game play, and asecondary or upper display screen is dedicated to the output ofaudio/video content).

Thus, in some embodiments, Step 1410 may comprise determining a slotmachine outcome. As a variety of types of slot machine games arecontemplated (e.g., video reel, mechanical reel, five-reel, three-reel,etc.), a variety of different types of outcomes may be determined. Insome embodiments, a slot machine outcome may comprise a number ofsymbols, icons, words, pictures, graphics, animations, movies, etc.,which may appear (e.g., in sequence) on one or more slot machinepaylines. Example outcomes of a slot machine game include“cherry-cherry-cherry,” “7-bell-7-bar-bar,” “Rachel-Ross-Monica,”“and-hey-if,” and so on.

In other embodiments, Step 1410 may comprise determining a video pokeroutcome. As a variety of video poker games are contemplated, (e.g., studpoker, draw poker, five-card, seven-card) a variety of different typesof video poker outcomes are contemplated. Example outcomes of a videopoker game include “A♥-K♥-J♥-10♥-6

“7♦-5♥-2♦-A

10♦-J

8

and so on.

Outcomes may be generated in a variety of manners. For example, a gamingdevice (or other device) may generate a random number as described, anda probability database may indicate an outcome associated with thegenerated random number (e.g., if the random number 10586 is generated,an outcome is “Bar-Bell-Bell”). Game outcomes may be then becommunicated or displayed to a player via a variety of output devices,including but not limited to any combination of display screens,physical reels of a slot machine, audio speakers, printers, etc. In oneexample, a game comprises a slot machine game, and an output devicecomprises a touch-sensitive display screen (e.g., a video screen depictsa five-reel slot outcome of “7-bell-bar-bar-blank”).

It should be noted that in some embodiments, a game (e.g., video poker,slots, keno, bingo, etc.) may be thought of as a primary feature of aslot machine. In some embodiments, a secondary slot machine feature maycomprise audio/video content (e.g., a movie, television show, cartoon,static image or other content output via a display screen). In otherembodiments, a secondary feature may comprise a secondary game (e.g., anadditional set of slot machine reels, and additional poker hand, etc.).

It should be noted that, as with process 1200 and process 1300, process1400 may include a step of outputting audio/video content. This may bedone in any of the variety of manners described with respect to FIG. 12.

It should also be noted that, in some embodiments, audio/video contentmay not be output until after an outcome is determined for a game play(e.g., a “video clip” is output in association with an outcome of a gameplay, wherein the video clip is of a duration that only spans the singlegame play).

Further, in some embodiments, a gaming device may automatically initiategame play on a player's behalf. For example, a gaming device may beconfigured to automatically spin the reels of a slot machine every 10seconds, so long as the player has provided approval that automatic gameplay is to occur. Apparatus and methods which, among other things,permit and enable automated game play, and which are appropriate for usein accordance with the present invention are disclosed in pending U.S.patent application Ser. No. 10/331,438, filed Dec. 27, 2002, entitled“METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATICALLY OPERATING A GAME MACHINE,” theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.

In Step 1415, a first payout associated with the indicia is determined.For example, a payout database such as that depicted in FIG. 8, or thatdepicted in FIG. 9, maybe accessed and a payout corresponding to theindicia may be identified. It should be noted that though a payout maybe determined in Step 1415, the payout may not be provided to a playerunless and until further determinations have been made (e.g., whether ornot output audio/video content comprises a characteristic that satisfiesa requirement associated with the payout and/or an outcome correspondingto the payout). Thus, Step 1415 may be thought of as determining apending payout amount, which may later be authorized for provision to aplayer or cancelled or otherwise not provided based on a furtherdetermination. Also, in other embodiments, a payout may not bedetermined until a later time (e.g., until after a characteristic ofaudio/video content is compared to a requirement associated with anoutcome).

In Step 1420, the indicia determined in Step 1410 are disposed along apayline of a gaming device. For example, if the indicia comprise symbolsof reels of a slot machine, Step 1420 may comprise causing the reels tospin and stop such that the indicia are disposed along the payline. Inanother example, if the indicia comprise symbols of a card game, Step1420 may comprise causing the cards to be revealed to a player.

In Step 1425, audio/video content associated with the current game playis determined. This may comprise, for example, identifying audio/videocontent that has previously begun to be output. For example, a cachememory may be accessed to determine an identifier of audio/video contentpreviously stored as currently being output. In another example, thismay comprise selecting and/or outputting the audio/video content.

In Step 1430, a requirement for providing the first payout isdetermined. The requirement may comprise, for example, a requirementassociated with the first payout and/or a requirement associated withthe indicia. A requirement may specify, for example, one or morecharacteristic(s) that the audio/video content associated with thecurrent game play must exhibit or possess (e.g., at substantially thetime that the indicia is disposed along the payline).

In some embodiments, determining a payout requirement associated with anoutcome may comprise determining a characteristic associated with and/orindicated by an outcome. In one embodiment, characteristic may comprisean element, parameter or attribute (e.g., of audio/video content)associated with an outcome, as specified by a requirement associatedwith an outcome. Accordingly, in one example, if an outcome determinedin Step 1410 is “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel,” a gaming device (and/orcontroller) may determine a payout requirement associated with theoutcome by accessing an audio/video content characteristic(s) database(e.g., a payout requirement field associated with the outcome indicatesthat “Rachel must appear”). In some embodiments, a payout requirementmay be derived from outcome characteristics (e.g., if the symbols of aslot machine outcome are representative of television characters, one ormore of the television characters must appear during an outputtelevision program for a payout requirement to be satisfied).

In Step 1435 it is determined whether the audio/video content determinedin Step 1430 satisfies the requirement determined in Step 1430. Forexample, the audio/video content may be analyzed (e.g., pixels of avideo portion of the content may be analyzed and/or frames of a videoportion of the content may be analyzed) in any of the manners describedabove.

As described, audio/video content (e.g., a television program outputduring step 100) may be used to determine whether a payout requirementassociated with a game outcome is satisfied. A variety of actions,events, or other detectable characteristics of audio/video content maybe used to satisfy a payout requirement. As described, one requirementmay specify that a particular character must appear on screen during theoutput of audio/video content at substantially the time of the indiciacomprising the outcome being disposed along a payline. Other occurrencesor actions are contemplated, including but not limited to the followingexamples: a certain word or phrase must be spoken or, for example, mustappear in closed captioning (e.g., if the reel symbols of a slot machineare words, such as “hi-hey-hello,” the utterance of any/all of the wordsmay satisfy a payout requirement); a particular character must enter ascene, speak, or perform some other action; a particular object or propmust be displayed (e.g., if the reel symbols of a slot machine representobjects, such as “lamp-lamp-lamp,” the appearance of any/all of theobjects may satisfy a payout requirement); some other action or eventmust occur (e.g., if a slot machine outcome is“telephone-telephone-telephone,” a telephone must ring); etc.

In some embodiments, a time restriction may be associated with a payoutrequirement that may be satisfied by the output of audio/video content.For example, in one or more embodiments, the output of a particularepisode of a television show, movie, cartoon or other audio/videocontent may have begun previously (e.g., a player selected an episode ofthe television program “Buddies,” such that the episode began to play ona display device before game play was initiated). The player may theninitiate game play (e.g., provide a wager amount and press a “spin”button to actuate the reels of a slot machine), such that a game outcomeis determined. A timer device may then be actuated upon thedetermination of a game outcome (e.g., after the reels of a slot machinestop spinning and reveal an outcome of “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel,” a timerbegins). Accordingly, a payout requirement may only be satisfied if anindicated audio/video content action/event occurs within a predefinedamount of time (e.g., 10 seconds). For example, if slot machine reelsspin and resolve to a game outcome of “Rachel-Rachel-Rachel,” a payoutrequirement (e.g., indicated by an outcome characteristics database) maybe that the character Rachel must appear within the next 10 seconds ofaudio/video programming (e.g., the 10 seconds immediately following theresolution of the game outcome). Such time restrictions may bebeneficial, as in this manner players may view entire episodes, shows,movies or other audio/video content continuously (though players may berequired to maintain a particular rate of play, or game play may occurautomatically, as described).

In other embodiments, a timer device may not be necessary. For example,in some embodiments, a random “video clip” may be output in accordancewith each game outcome. In one embodiment, a player may not watch acontinuous episode of a television program, but rather view oneclip/scene after each spin of a slot machine (e.g., a player spins thereels and receives an outcome of “Monica-Monica-Monica,” then watches a10-second clip of the show “Buddies” to see if Monica appears). Suchclips may have been previously edited such that, for example, theycomprise an average length of time, an average number of characters,props or words, and so on. A gaming device may determine a random videoclip in a manner substantially similar as to that employed during theprocess of determining outcomes (e.g., a random number or random numberrange is associated with a stored clip, etc.).

Accordingly, a gaming device or other device (e.g., computer 110A orcomputer 110B) may determine whether audio/video content associated witha current game play satisfies a payout requirement associated with anoutcome determined for the current game play. For example, if anaudio/video content characteristic(s) database indicates that theappearance of a particular character (e.g., Monica) would satisfy apayout requirement, a gaming device or other device may analyzeaudio/video content to determine whether or not the character appears.

As described, an analysis of audio/video content may be performed in avariety of manners. In some embodiments, a timer device may be employed,such that only audio/video content output within a predefined timeperiod immediately after the determination of an outcome may be used tosatisfy a payout requirement. Thus, in some embodiments, after anelapsed time (e.g., the time in minutes and seconds since a televisionprogram began playing), outcome, payout and payout requirement have beendetermined, a gaming device and/or other device may access anaudio/video content characteristic(s) database to determine whether theaudio/video content in question satisfies the payout requirement. Forexample, turning to the exemplary audio/video content characteristic(s)database depicted in FIG. 6A, if a payout requirement indicates that“Ross must appear” during audio/video content, and a determined elapsedtime is between 0:00:47-0:01:06, the payout requirement may beconsidered satisfied, as the character Ross appears.

In an alternate embodiment, a video clip may be presented in accordancewith a determined game outcome, as described. Accordingly, turning to anexemplary audio/video content characteristic(s) database depicted inFIG. 6B, a gaming device and/or other device may determine whether ornot a payout requirement is satisfied by accessing data associated witha particular video clip identifier (e.g., during video clip “C-00003,” a“kiss” action occurs, such that if a game outcome is “kiss-kiss-kiss,” apayout requirement may be satisfied, as indicated by record R650-3).

In alternate embodiments, a gaming device feature other than audio/videocontent may be used to determine whether a payout requirement issatisfied. For example, in some embodiments, a secondary game may beused to determine whether a payout requirement is satisfied. Forexample, if a slot machine outcome generated during Step 1410 (e.g., a“primary game outcome”) is determined to be “cherry-cherry-cherry,” apayout requirement may specify that a “secondary game outcome” (e.g., anoutcome of a second slot machine game) “must include at least onecherry.” In this manner, it is contemplated that a payout from a winningoutcome of a primary game may only be output if an outcome of asecondary game satisfies an indicated payout requirement (e.g., thesecondary slot machine outcome comprises at least one cherry symbol,such as “bar-blank-cherry”). Similar embodiments including video poker,keno, bingo and other games are contemplated.

It should be noted that, in one embodiment, a process in accordance withFIG. 13 may provide a casino or other entity better control and/orpredictability over a hold percentage of a gaming device on whichembodiments of the present invention are carried out than would aprocess carried out in accordance with FIG. 14. For example, a casino orother entity may adjust the ranges of random numbers corresponding tothe payouts such that a desired hold percentage is achieved. The casinoor other entity may then be assured of obtaining the desired holdpercentage using the process 1300. In the process 1400, on the otherhand, a specific target hold percentage may not be as easily controlledor achieved. This may be because the casino or other entity may not haveas much control over whether a payout is provided for a game play, sincethis depends on whether audio/video characteristic satisfies arequirement for an outcome or payout of a game play and the audio/videocontent is not selected such that it is controlled as to whether apayout will or will not be provided for the game play. Accordingly, agaming device operating in accordance with the process 1400 may beconfigured to provide a hold percentage range, (i) wherein a maximum ofthe hold percentage range is set based on the assumption that, for eachgame play, audio/video content associated with the game play willsatisfy a requirement associated with the payout and/or outcome of thegame play, and (ii) wherein a minimum of the hold percentage range isset based on the assumption that, for each game play, audio/videocontent associated with the game play will not satisfy a requirementassociated with the payout and/or outcome of the game play.

If it is determined, in Step 1435, that the characteristic ofaudio/video content satisfies the requirement determined in step 1430,the process 1400 continues to Step 1445, in which step the first payoutis provided. As described with reference to FIG. 12 and with referenceto FIG. 13, a payout may be provided in any of the manners describedherein.

If, on the other hand, it is determined in Step 1435 that therequirement is not satisfied, the process 1400 continues to step 1440,in which a second payout (if any is associated with the current gameplay) is provided. As described, in one or more embodiments, a secondpayout of a lesser value than the first payout may be provided if therequirement associated with the first payout and/or the outcome of thecurrent game play is not satisfied. For example, a payout database suchas that depicted in FIG. 9 may be utilized to determine the secondpayout of the lesser value. In one embodiment, a gaming device may beprogrammed to provide a second payout that is a specified percentage ofthe first payout for each game play for which the requirement is notsatisfied.

It should be noted that, in one or more of the embodiments describedherein, a variety of payout amounts may be determined in associationwith an outcome (e.g., “Monica-Monica-Monica”). For example, asdescribed, in one or more embodiments, if a payout requirement issatisfied in association with the outcome, a first payout amount may beawarded to a player (e.g., 20 coins), though if the payout requirementis not satisfied, a second payout amount may be awarded instead (e.g.,10 coins). Further, a payout amount associated with an outcome maydecrease in association with the elapsed time before an associatedpayout requirement is satisfied. For example, if Monica appears in 30seconds or less after an outcome of “Monica-Monica-Monica” isdetermined, a player may receive 100 coins, but if Monica does notappear for five minutes, the player may only receive 10 coins.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an illustration of one embodiment ofinformation that may be output to a player via a display device (e.g.,display device 435), as one manner of determining whether to provide apayout for a game play. The embodiment of FIG. 15 is referred to as the“bingo embodiment” herein. The embodiment 1500 illustrates a screen 1500that may output information to a player, the information being utilizedto determine whether a payout is to be provided to the player. In thebingo embodiment, a video featuring a plurality of characters is outputin area 1505 of the screen 1500. In the example of FIG. 15, threecharacters are depicted in the video (“Character A”, “Character B”, and“Character C”). Each of the characters may speak words during the video,as depicted in the conversation bubbles over the characters. Each of thecharacters has an associated column in area 1510 of the screen 1500. Forexample, “Character A” has an associated column 1515 in which wordsappear, “Character B” has an associated column 1520 in which wordsappear, and “Character C” has an associated column 1525 in which wordsappear. The words depicted in each column may comprise words that therespective character may potentially utter during the video. Further,the words may change (e.g., scroll up or down) during the output of thevideo. Further still, the words that appear in a column may bedetermined based on a random number. Thus, in one embodiment, adetermination is made (e.g., continuously throughout the video) whethera word appearing in a column associated with a character is spoken bythe character. If it is, the word may be highlighted or otherwiseindicated as having been uttered by the character. In one embodiment, apayout may be provided if the highlighted or otherwise indicated wordsdepict a predetermined pattern across the columns (e.g., a horizontal,vertical or diagonal line, as in a bingo game). In one embodiment, apayout may be determined based on the number of highlighted words onscreen at a given time or the number of highlighted words within a givengame play, play session or that appear during the output of a video. Inone embodiment, the value of a highlighted word may expire over timeand/or over a plurality of game plays.

In conclusion, while the methods and apparatus of the present inventionhave been described in terms of particular embodiments, those skilled inthe art will recognize that the present invention may be practiced withmodification and alteration without departing from the teachingsdisclosed herein.

1. A method, comprising: determining a first payout to potentially beprovided for a current game play of a gaming device, wherein the gamingdevice is operable to facilitate a wagering game; and providing thefirst payout only upon (i) indicia indicative of the first payout beingdisposed along a payline of the gaming device, wherein the payline is acomponent of a first display area of the gaming device, and (ii) acharacteristic of audio/video content associated with the current gameplay satisfying a requirement for providing the first payout, whereinthe audio/video content is output via a second display area of thegaming device.
 2. The method of claim 1, further comprising:determining, based on a random number, the indicia; causing the indiciato be disposed along the payline; determining the audio/video contentbeing output at substantially a time the indicia is disposed along thepayline; determining a requirement corresponding to the indicia, therequirement specifying at least one characteristic of the audio/videocontent; determining whether the audio/video content being output atsubstantially the time the indicia is disposed along the paylinesatisfies the requirement, thereby determining whether the requirementis satisfied for the current game play; providing the first payout ifthe requirement is satisfied; and providing a second payout if therequirement is not satisfied, wherein the second payout is less than thefirst payout.
 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the second payout isequal to zero credits.
 4. The method of claim 2, wherein thecharacteristic comprises at least one of a specified character and aspecified object appearing on a video screen comprising the secondaryoutput device.
 5. The method of claim 2, wherein the characteristiccomprises a character of the audio/video content speaking a specifiedterm.
 6. The method of claim 2, further comprising: determining whethera payment has been received from a player associated with the firstpayout, the payment being in exchange for providing payouts inaccordance with the satisfaction of characteristics of the audio/videocontent; and providing the first payout only if the payment has beenreceived, otherwise providing the second payout.
 7. The method of claim1, further comprising: determining, based on a random number, the firstpayout; determining a time at which indicia corresponding to the firstpayout is to be disposed along the payline, thereby determining anindicia output time; determining a characteristic of the audio/videocontent at substantially the indicia output time; selecting the indiciafrom a plurality of sets of indicia, wherein each indicia of theplurality of sets of indicia corresponds to a requirement, whereinselecting the indicia is performed such that the requirementcorresponding to the selected indicia is satisfied by the determinedcharacteristic of the audio/video content; and causing the selectedindicia to be disposed along the payline at the indicia output time. 8.The method of claim 7, wherein the characteristic comprises at least oneof a specified character and a specified object appearing on a videoscreen comprising the secondary output device.
 9. The method of claim 7,wherein the characteristic comprises a character of the audio/videocontent speaking a specified term.
 10. The method of claim 7, whereinthe first payout comprises the second payout provided in a first formplus an additional payout provided in a second form.
 11. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: receiving a selection of the audio videocontent, thereby determining a selected audio/video content, wherein theselected audio/video content is a choice of a plurality of availableaudio/video content available for selection; and outputting the selectedaudio/video content.
 12. The method of claim 11, wherein receiving theselection comprises determining that a player of the gaming device hasselected the audio/video content via a player interface of the gamingdevice.
 13. The method of claim 12, further comprising: receiving apayment from the player for the output of the audio/video content. 14.The method of claim 11, wherein receiving the selection comprisesreceiving an indication of the audio/video content from a controllerdevice.
 15. The method of claim 1, further comprising: Selecting theaudio/video content from a plurality of available audio/video content.16. The method of claim 1, wherein the audio/video content comprises anepisode of a television show.
 17. The method of claim 1, furthercomprising: analyzing the audio/video content to determine whether theaudio/video content possesses the characteristic that satisfies therequirement.
 18. The method of claim 17, wherein analyzing theaudio/video content comprises analyzing the data comprising theaudio/video content.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein analyzing thedata comprises analyzing pixels of a screen outputting the audio/videocontent.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein analyzing the audio/videocontent comprises accessing a record of a database, the record storinginformation about characteristics possessed by the audio/video content.21. The method of claim 1, further comprising: beginning output of theaudio/video content at substantially a time of the current game play,such that the audio/video content spans only the current game play. 22.The method of claim 21, further comprising: selecting the audio/videocontent for output, wherein the audio/video content is selected suchthat it possesses the characteristic and the requirement is satisfied.23. The method of claim 1, wherein the audio/video content spans aplurality of game plays.
 24. A gaming device, comprising: a processor; amemory operable to store a program for directing the processor toexecute a method; a first output device operable to output indicia of agame play; and a secondary output device operable to output audio/videocontent distinct from the indicia, wherein the gaming device operable tofacilitate a wagering game in which a result of a game play isdetermined on a random basis and in exchange for a payment, and whereinthe processor is further operable with the program to: determining afirst payout to potentially be provided for a current game play of agaming device; and provide the first payout only upon (i) indiciaindicative of the first payout being disposed along a payline of thegaming device, wherein the payline is a component of the first outputdevice, and (ii) a characteristic of audio/video content associated withthe current game play satisfying a requirement for providing the firstpayout, wherein the audio/video content is output via the secondaryoutput device.
 25. The gaming device of claim 24, wherein the processoris further operable with the program to: determine, based on a randomnumber, the indicia; cause the indicia to be disposed along the payline;determine the audio/video content being output at substantially a timethe indicia is disposed along the payline; determine a requirementcorresponding to the indicia, the requirement specifying at least onecharacteristic of the audio/video content; determine whether theaudio/video content being output at substantially the time the indiciais disposed along the payline satisfies the requirement, therebydetermining whether the requirement is satisfied for the current gameplay; provide the first payout if the requirement is satisfied; andprovide a second payout if the requirement is not satisfied, wherein thesecond payout is less than the first payout.
 26. The gaming device ofclaim 25, wherein the second payout is equal to zero credits.
 27. Thegaming device of claim 24, wherein the processor is further operablewith the program to: determine, based on a random number, the firstpayout; determine a time at which indicia corresponding to the firstpayout is to be disposed along the payline, thereby determining anindicia output time; determine a characteristic of the audio/videocontent at substantially the indicia output time; select the indiciafrom a plurality of sets of indicia, wherein each indicia of theplurality of sets of indicia corresponds to a requirement, whereinselecting the indicia is performed such that the requirementcorresponding to the selected indicia is satisfied by the determinedcharacteristic of the audio/video content; and cause the selectedindicia to be disposed along the payline at the indicia output time.